DKV Trio
The DKV Trio is a powerhouse of creative music and one of the most enduring and prolific groups in modern free jazz. Formed in the mid-1990s, the trio consists of three titans of the Chicago avant-garde scene: the relentlessly inventive saxophonist and clarinetist Ken Vandermark, the foundational and versatile bassist Kent Kessler, and the legendary, dynamically expressive drummer Hamid Drake. Their music is a masterclass in collective improvisation, seamlessly blending structured themes with explosive, high-energy freedom. Over decades, they have built a vast discography that showcases their profound musical communication, moving with telepathic understanding from ferocious, driving rhythms to moments of subtle, lyrical beauty. The DKV Trio is not just a band but an institution, representing the very heart of collaborative and exploratory jazz.
Wels / Chicago
Wels / Chicago
“These live recordings document some of the exciting – and engaging – live improvisations that make the DKV Trio one of the top groups in free jazz of the late 1990s and beyond.” -Joslyn Layne, AllMusic
“the Wels set, basically framed around Don Cherry’s ‘Complete Communion Suite’, is a stunning example of free repertory, the original materials ingeniously transplanted to this situation.” -The Penguin Guide to Jazz
“Since Vandermark is perpetually searching for ideas to precipitate inspired improvisation, Cherry’s masterpiece makes plenty of sense; it was essentially the first extended work of multi-thematic free jazz.” -Peter Margasak, The JazzTimes
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Hamid Drake – drums
Kent Kessler – bass
Ken Vandermark – tenor sax
Wels CD recorded Novemer 8th, 1998, at the “Music Unlimited 98” festival, Wels, Alter Sch8hof. Thanks to Wolfgang Wasswebauer.
Mastered at Airwave Recording Studios, September 23rd, 1999.
Chicago CD recorded November 20th & 21st, 1998, at the Velvet Lounge, Chicago. Thanks to Fred Anderson.
Mixed and mastered at Airwave Recording Studios, September 23rd, 1999.
The theme “Complete Communion” was composed by Don Cherry. All other themes and materials were improvised at the time of recording by Drake/Kessler/Vandermark.
Tracks on Disc 1 comprise the “Complete Communion Suite.”
Design – L.E. Molnar
Executive-Producer – Bruno Johnson
Mastered By – John McCortney
Painting [“The Train”] – Adrienne Pierluissi
Photography – Rebecca Gleason
Recorded – Franz Prummer (tracks: 1-1 to 1-6), John McCortney (tracks: 2-1 to 2-3)
Trigonometry
Trigonometry
“Don Cherry, an admitted favorite of Vandermark’s and a former employer of Drake’s, serves as the primary source of thematic material, but anthems by Ellington and Ayler also make fleeting appearances. The reedman is careful to point out in his liners that the outside composers’ works are really only transitory springboards for internal improvisation. As a result, though they share obvious programmatic correlates both dates yield decidedly different renditions. On the initial sally through three Cherry classics the trio sounds off emphatically with Vandermark’s economical tenor leading the charge. He later loses some steam and resorts to stock phrasings, but Kessler and Drake refuse to let him rest. On the closing section of “The Thing” and the initial minutes of “Brown Rice” Kessler’s bow shears a shifting swathe of mahogany textures that expands in the wake of an uneasy start. Disc one holds slight edge if only for the inspired inclusion of Joe McPhee’s haunting “Good-Bye Tom B,” but each one effectively presents the trio doing what it does best. Perhaps even more useful this set acts an ideal litmus test for those definition-obsessed listeners searching for the perfect encapsulation of free jazz, a medium that like all incarnations of living, breathing music cannot be contained by convenient terminology or precept.” -Derek Taylor, All About Jazz
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Bass – Kent Kessler
Reeds – Ken Vandermark
Drums – Hamid Drake
Recorded in March 24, 2001, at the Bug Jar, Rochester, NY. (disc one)
and March 31, 2001, at Harvey’s On The Mall, Kalamazoo, MI. (disc two) by Bill Olsen.
Mixed and mastered by John McCortney
Executive-Producer – Bruno Johnson
Cover [Cover Art] – Adrienne Pierluissi
Graphic Design – Louise Molnar
Producer – DKV Trio
The Fire Each Time
The Fire Each Time
Not Two Records presents, “The Fire Each Time,” a 6 CD boxset of recordings from the DKV Trio with Joe McPhee as a guest, and dedicated to James Baldwin. The music was recorded during the quartet’s tour in Europe which took place in November of 2017, and at shows in Chicago and Milwaukee from December of that year. These performances are historic in many respects: the DKV Trio (with Hamid Drake [drums], Kent Kessler [bass], and Ken Vandermark [reeds]) has only recorded with other musicians on four occasions in it’s two decade career (with Fred Anderson, [Okka Disk, 1997]; Joe Morris on “Deep Telling” [Okka Disk, 1999]; with Mats Gustafsson, Paal Nilssen-Love and Massimo Pupillo on “Schl8hof” [Trost, 2013], and with The Thing [“Collider,” Not Two, 2016]); also, this is the first time all four musicians have worked together as a band; and the material documented over the six concerts included in the collection features performances of Joe McPhee’s compositions (like “Nation Time”) as well as completely improvised music generated by the participants.
“If you like dancing to free jazz, I can recommend this album. If you don’t like dancing to free jazz, I still recommend you buy it. It’s the kind of object every free jazz lover should have. Not because the music is ground-breaking by itself, not because you’ve never heard these guys play music before, but only because it’s such a great testimony to their combined skills and because every single second of it is enjoyable. All in a little black box.” -Stef, Free Jazz Blog
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Joe McPhee: Tenor saxophone & pocket trumpet
Ken Vandermark: Reeds
Hamid Drake: Drums
Kent Kessler: Bass
Recorded by Bartek Olszewski (pistas: 2-1 to 2-5), David Zuchowski (pistas: 4-1 to 6-4), Jean-Marc Foussat (pistas: 1-1 to 1-3), Miroslav Škop (pistas: 3-1 to 3-3)
Recorded on : # 1 13.11.2017 Instants Chavirés, Paris
Recorded on : # 2 15.11.2017 Klub Dragon, Poznan
Recorded on : # 3 16.11.2017 Divadlo 29, Pardubice
Recorded on : # 4 27.12.2017 The Sugar Maple, Milwaukee
Recorded on : # 5 28.12.2017 Elastic Arts, Chicago
Recorded on : # 6 28.12.2017 Elastic Arts, Chicago
Design by Małgorzata Lipińska
Mastered by David Zuchowski
Mixed by David Zuchowski (pistas: 2-1 to 6-4), Jean-Marc Foussat (pistas: 1-1 to 1-3)
Photography by Krzysztof Penarski
Standards
Standards
In the four sessions that produced the record, Vandermark chose from the large number of colleagues with whom he’s got ongoing relationships and mix-and-matched them in four new improvising trios with different instrumental combinations.
The initial inspiration for the project came for a similar one undertaken by German bassist Peter Kowald and a monthly series of improvisations called “Head Exam” at Chicago’s HotHouse modelled after Derek Bailey’s Company Week, which uses a free format to get people who don’t usually play together to collaborate.
The first lineup, with longtime partner bassist Kent Kessler and new associate drummer Hamid Drake, would be named later DKV Trio. Vandermark wanted to pair himself with another reed player and he chose NRG Ensemble co-saxophonist Mars Williams and asked Vandermark Quartet drummer Michael Zerang to join them. For the third combination, he is joined by Jim Baker, pianist in Caffeine, and Vandermark Quartet guitarist and violinist Daniel Scanlan. The last trio includes tabletop guitarist Kevin Drumm and percussionist Steve Hunt, third leg of Caffeine and drummer for the NRG Ensemble.
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The Penguin Guide to Jazz states “Standards is experimental in that it sets Vandermark up as a member of four different trios… Each has something interesting to yield and some of it sounds almost glaringly new and alive.”
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Acoustic Bass – Kent Kessler (tracks: 1-3)
Electric Guitar – Kevin Drumm (tracks: 10-12)
Electric Guitar, Violin – Daniel Scanlan (tracks: 7-9)
Piano, Arp Synthesizer – Jim Baker (tracks: 7-9)
Reeds – Ken Vandermark (tracks: 1-12)
Saxophones – Mars Williams (tracks: 4-6)
Trap Set – Michael Zerang (tracks: 4-6), Steve Hunt (tracks: 10-12)
Trap Set, Hand Drums – Hamid Drake (tracks: 1-3)
Recorded in July 25–28, 1994 at Sparrow Sound Design, Chicago
Sound In Motion In Sound
Sound In Motion In Sound
“This is a great recording by an unmistakable, intense group of musicians with a sound and feeling of their own. That much is clear now. I would even dare to call this album their best to date. Inspired, full of energy, harmonically, rhythmically, and even melodically rich, capable of wonderfully recreating the joy of listening to DKV Trio live.
The end of 2014 has brought us some wonderful music and DKV Trio’s “Sound in Motion in Sound” is no exception. In fact, it ranks amongst the best this year and the sheer grandeur of this release is commanding. Recommending this album is a no-brainer. Go and listen.” -Antonio Poscic, Free Jazz Blog
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Bass – Kent Kessler
Drums – Hamid Drake
Reeds – Ken Vandermark
Austria [Metal]: Recorded in concert on July 19, 2013 at the Jazz Galerie for the Nickelsdorf Konfrontationen.
Poland [Earth]: Recorded in concert on November 1, 2012 at Manggha Hall for the Krakow Jazz Autumn.
Slovenia [Wood]: Recorded in concert on May 24, 2014 by Radio Slovenija, Program ARS at the Jazz Cerkno Festival.
United States (A) [Fire]: Recorded in concert on May 28, 2014 at The Hideout, Chicago.
United States (B) [Water]: Recorded in concert on December 19, 2013 at The Sugar Maple, Milwaukee.
Mixed and Mastered – One Room Studio
Artwork, Photography, Design – Federico Peñalva
Sound Engineer – Miha Ocvirk (tracks: 3-1 to 3-6)
Mixed and Mastered by Dave Zuchowski
Producer Hugo Šekoranja (tracks: 3-1 to 3-6)
Recorded by Dave Zuchowski (tracks: 4-1 to 5-7), Michel Huon (tracks: 1-1 to 1-6), Radio Slovenija, Program ARS. (tracks: 3-1 to 3-6), Rafał Drewniany (tracks: 2-1 to 2-5)
Past Present
Past Present
“There is nothing extraneous here, just spirited and consistently powerful playing. Perhaps time away from the group allowed each of the band’s members to refine their approach; compared to earlier recordings the music on Past Present seems more incisive and the improvisations (especially those of Vandermark) effectively colorful. 18 years together and apart will necessarily generate a bevy of experiences that translate into deeper levels of communication and it’s clear that DKV has grown as a unit. That’s not to say every moment is perfection – this writer has never completely been able to get behind the backbeat sections that occasionally crop up with this group, though admittedly the groovy close to Disc Six’ second piece (all of the improvisations are untitled) is pretty fine. Furthermore, seven discs is also a lot to get through, especially with a format that’s pretty basic. Nevertheless, in going through the set one finds that any single disc “toe dip” will be rewarding and overall Past Present is extremely consistent. The set’s size shouldn’t deter anyone interested in these three musicians’ work and even if there are a few flagging moments, the process of hearing and assimilating the DKV Trio’s music is very worthwhile.”
-Clifford Allen, NYCJR (January 2013)
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CD 1 – Chicago, July 15, 2009
CD 2 – Chicago, January 6, 2010
CD 3 – Chicago, December 29, 2010
CD 4 – Milwaukee, December 30, 2010
CD 5 – Milwaukee, December 27, 2011
CD 6 – Chicago, December 28, 2011
CD 7- Bonus Disk – DKV plays the music of Don Cherry
Sant’Anna Arresi, Sardinia, August 31, 2008
Hamid Drake – drums
Kent Kessler – bass
Ken Vandermark – reeds
Live
Live
Bass – Kent Kessler
Reeds – Ken Vandermark
Percussion – Hamid Drake
Recorded live December 26, 1996, second set at the Lunar Cabaret, Chicago.
Cover – William Mohline
Engineer – John McCortney
Producer – Bruno Johnson
Recorded By – Malachi Ritsche
Latitude 41.88
Latitude 41.88
The albums starts “Faster Then It Would Be” featuring a free blowing Vandermark on tenor saxophone, quickly joined by a bowing Kessler and a more subtle, colouring Drake; working their way into a funky groove initiated by Vandermark, promptly supported by Drake and Kessler. From here, the trio really joins as a unit and weaves threads of free and groove into a polyrhythmic web propelling Drake into a contagious solo. Following Drake’s solo, toe-tapping continues when Vandermark adds a catchy melody that develops into the climax of the piece. To clear satisfaction of the audience and this listener, well-earned applause.
“20th Century Myth” finds Hamid Drake solo, searching for other worlds on his drum kit. He is a real adventurer, taking us all around the world musically. Free phrases intertwine with tribal rhythm and world music. After 5 minutes, he settles and is joined by a gentle Vandermark, and supported by a deep bowing Kessler. The track continues into a pulsating rhythm initiated by Vandermark and collectively develops and fades into a deeply wailing free blues.
“Uncontrolled Writer” finds Vandermark on clarinet squealing through high registers, overtones and harmonics before settling with gentle cymbals and plucked strings. Vandermark quickly switches back to saxophone and is propelled into a groove by Drake’s brushwork that is – all too – briefly interrupted for a nice pizzicato solo on double bass by Kessler. The trio joins forces and finishes off the set with a catchy climax, answered with loud cheers and applause by the audience.
This is a really tight record by masters of free music that have been all over the scene for the past 25 years. Highly recommended. You should own the record, if only for the second track.” -Martin Sekelsky, Free Jazz Blog
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Hamid Drake: drums
Kent Kessler: bass
Ken Vandermark: reeds
Special thanks to Marek Winiarski and Not Two Records and to Adrienne Pierluissi for her ongoing support of the Option Milwaukee series.
Recorded in concert on December 21st 2014 by David Zuchowski at the Sugar Maple in Milwaukee.
Mixed and mastered by Dave Zuchowski, One Room Studio.
Back cover photo by Petra Cvelbar.
Inside cover photo by Ziga Koritnik
Design by Malgorzata Lipinska
Fred Anderson & DKV Trio
Fred Anderson & DKV Trio
The Penguin Guide to Jazz states: “The DKV Trio collaboration was an important turning point in perceptions of Fred Anderson’s music, since these younger player were leading something of a charge in contemporary Chicagoan jazz.”
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Fred Anderson — tenor sax
Hamid Drake — percussion
Kent Kessler — bass
Ken Vandermark — reeds
Recorded at Airwave Studios, Chicago, IL, December 3, 1996
Graphic design: Louise Molnar
Photos (outside): Glenda Kapsalis
Photos (inside): Marty Perez
Produced by: Ken Vandermark & Bruno Johnson
Executive Producer: Bruno Johnson
Engineer: John McCortney
Double or Nothing
Double or Nothing
AALY Trio (Gustafsson, Nordeson, Flaten) on left channel; DKV Trio (Vandermark, Kessler, Drake) on right channel.
Recorded September 23, 1999 at Airwave Studios, Chicago.
Track 2 is a long performance with an index point at the start of the Awake Nu theme.
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Mats Gustafsson
Clarinet [Bb], Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Mixed By – Ken Vandermark
Double Bass – Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Kent Kessler
Drums – Hamid Drake, Kjell Nordeson
Artwork [Cover Art] – Peter Brötzmann
Engineer, Mixed By – John McCortney
Executive-Producer – Bruno Johnson
Graphic Design – Louise Molnar
Deep Telling
Deep Telling
In her review for AllMusic, Joslyn Layne claims “There is a natural intuition and understanding between Morris, percussionist Hamid Drake, bassist Kent Kessler, and tenor saxophonist Ken Vandermark that belies the fact that the Chicago group and Morris played together only twice before stepping into the studio in spring 1998.”
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Hamid Drake – drums
Kent Kessler – bass
Ken Vandermark – tenor sax
Joe Morris – guitar
Design – L.E. Molnar
Executive-Producer – Bruno Johnson
Photography – Rebecca Gleason
Producer – Joe Morris, Ken Vandermark
Recorded on 30 April 1998 at Überstudio / Chicago by Brendan Burke
Mixed Sept. 6, 1999 by Brendan Burke, Ken Vandermark & Kent Kessler
Collider
Collider
Hamid Drake – drums
Ingebrigt Haker Flaten – bass
Mats Gustafsson – tenor and baritone saxophone
Kent Kessler – bass
Paal Nilssen-love – drums
Ken Vandermark – tenor and baritone saxophone, Bb clarinet
Recorded November 1st 2015 at Manggha Hall, Krakow
Recorded by Rafal Drewniany
Mixed and mastered by Dave Zuchowski, One Room Studio
Photos by Krzysztof Penarski
Desgin by Malgorzata Lipinska
All compositions by Hamid Drake (Smiling Forehead / BMI), Mats Gustafsson (STIM / Cien Fuegoes), Ingebrigt Haker Flaten (TONO, Cien Fuegos), Kent Kessler (BMI), Paal Nilssen-Love (TONO, Cien Fuegos), Ken Vandermark (Twenty First Mobile Music, ASCAP, Cien Fuegos)
Not Two 930
Zaiks / Biem 2016
Released October 2016
Baraka
Baraka
“In her review for AllMusic, Joslyn Layne states: “Baraka may suffer a bit in comparison to the later, extraordinary Live in Wels & Chicago, but it’s still a terrific showcase of the trio and, overall, a great adventurous jazz album.”
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Hamid Drake – drums
Kent Kessler – bass
Ken Vandermark – reeds
Recorded at Überstudio in February 17 & 19, 1997.
Engineer – Brendan Burke
Executive-Producer – Bruno Johnson
Graphics – Louise Molnar
Photography – Marty Perez