Kirk Knuffke

• 2-CD LIMITED EDITION

• DELUXE 8-PANEL DIGIPACK

The exemplary & well-traveled cornetist Kirk Knuffke presents a bold new trio - w/ bassist Michael Bisio & pianist Matthew Shipp - on an intimate & expansive double album. Gravity Without Airs features the three world-class musicians on both Knuffke compositions and in open form, creating a tour-de-force of poetry and verve, melody and mystery.

This is Knuffke's debut as a leader for TAO Forms. It follows on his elemental contribution to James Brandon Lewis' Jesup Wagon - one of the most acclaimed jazz releases of 2021, securing the coveted top spot in both the JazzTimes Critics Poll and the international Jazz Critics Poll established by Francis Davis. Accolades for the cornetist's own recent work as leader include NPR's Jazz Album of the Year laurel for 2017's Cherryco, his homage to Don Cherry, a prime influence. DownBeat praised the way that album showcased Knuffke's "nonchalant versatility and ebullient melodic gifts," while esteemed critic Francis Davis called it "nothing short of spectacular."

PERSONNEL:

• Kirk Knuffke - (cornet, compositions)
• Michael Bisio - (bass)
• Matthew Shipp - (piano)

TRACKS:

• CD ONE
• 01. Gravity Without Airs
• 02. Stars Go Up
• 03. Between Today and May
• 04. The Sun Is Always Shining
• 05. Birds of Passage
• 06. Time is Another River
• 07. Paint Pale Silver

• CD TWO
• 01. The Water Will Win
• 02. June Stretched
• 03. Blinds
• 04. Piece of Sky
• 05. Shadows to Dance (5:59)
• 06. Heal the Roses
• 07. Today For Today