Microscopic Septet, The

• 2-CD SET

Acquire this two-volume, four-disc set and you’ll not only own much of the recorded output of the Microscopic Septet (a.k.a. the Micros), you’ll also travel back to a time in New York’s “downtown” history when the band played haunts like the Ear Inn, the Dive, the Peppermint Lounge, Studio Henry and the recently shuttered CBGB.

Co-led by soprano saxophonist Phillip Johnston and pianist Joel Forrester, the Micros-with four saxes plus rhythm-brought strong playing and impeccable craftsmanship to the table, even as they shattered stylistic boundaries and proved that art music could be infectiously fun.

PERSONNEL:

• Phillip Johnston (soprano saxophone)
• Don Davis (alto saxophone)
• John Hagen (tenor saxophone)
• Dave Sewelson (baritone saxophone)
• Joel Forrester (piano)
• David Hofstra (bass)
• Richard Dworkin (drums)

Recorded at Mephisto, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, November 23, 1984

TRACKS:

• CD ONE: TAKE THE Z TRAIN
• 01 Chinese Twilight Zone
• 02 Wishful Thinking
• 03 Take the Z Train
• 04 Mr Bradley Mr Martin
• 05 Kelly Grows Up
• 06 Pack the Ermines, Mary
• 07 I Didn’t Do It
• 08 A Strange Thought Entered My Head
• 09 Party At PJ’s
• 10 Bee Beep
• 11 True
• 12 Fresh Air Theme (Evil Twin)

• CD TWO: LET'S FLIP !
• 01 The Lobster Parade
• 02 Second Avenue
• 03 Why Not?
• 04 Let’s Flip!
• 05 Lazlo’s Lament
• 06 Boo Boo Coming
• 07 Johnny Come Lately
• 08 The Mirror
• 09 Hoftsra’s Dilema
• 10 Women In Slow Motion
• 11 Hey Wayne