Everybody who is slightly interested in modern jazz knows the name of Mark Helias. The American double bass player has worked with everyone from Ed Blackwell, Don Cherry and Carlos Ward to Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams and Cecil Taylor.

With Tom Rainey (dr) and Tony Malady (ts), Helias founded the trio OPEN LOOSE in 1996 to play his compositions which allow open form improvisation.

As the three musicians get familiar with the pieces they recompose them on the bandstand. “The most interesting developments come when we start altering the compositions in a creative way, maintaining the spirit of the piece but taking it somewhere else, into an unimagined place,” says Helias. “Every time we come together it’s different, it’s new and wonderful.”

Cover art: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Christoph Wagner
Photo: Juan Carlos Hernandez

Recorded July 22, 2014 by Michael Brorby at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn NY. Mixed August, 2014 by Mark Helias at Radio Legs Studio, xl. Mastered by James C. Hemingway. Executive Producer: Anja Illmaier.
Produced by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.