I make no mystery of my deep affection for Roscoe Mitchell. It was an encounter with the Art Ensemble of Chicago during my teens, that planted the seeds for my lifelong love of Free-Jazz. I’ve gone out of my way to see him play, at every available chance, for the last 20 years. The man is astounding. I can’t think of a better living saxophonist. When I returned to London a few months back, after two years in New York, I was feeling starved for all the wonders that transpire within the walls of Cafe Oto. I noticed that Roscoe was playing two consecutive nights with John Edwards and Mark Sanders – two of the brightest lights in European Free-Jazz, and jumped at the chance. I don’t take pictures at gigs often, but after arriving at the first evening, I realized my camera was in my bag, and figured what the hell. Both nights were mind-melting. Roscoe was in top form, as were his Edwards and Sanders. They locked together and cracked apart in perfect harmony. The power of their playing was overwhelming. On both nights Roscoe displayed some of the most incredible circle breathing I’ve ever witnessed – stretching toward the half hour mark with rippling drones. If you find him coming your way, drop everything. These are the images I took over both nights. They’re a little jumbled up. I decided to let them lay where they fell. They could never do the music justice, but I hope you enjoy.
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