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THanks so much for this excellent article. I have several years ago purchased some of the K2B2 CDs, They are wonderful. I am glad to learn more about Mr Krystall.
The ensemble Tashilater known as the Tashi Quartetconsisted of violinist Ida Kavafian, pianist Peter Serkin, cellist Fred Sherry, and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Krystall joined the group on tour, on tenor sax, performing Anton Webern's Op.22 Quartet for Violin, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, and Piano and playing contemporary compositions, including Krystall's "Igor's Blues"; those with a subscription can find a review of a performance on the New York Times website.
The group recorded the Webern on Tashi Plays Webern and Takemitsu (RCA Red Seal ARL1-4730). Last May, that album was released on CD for the first time as part of the 35-disc collection, Peter Serkin, the Complete RCA Album Collection. The Op.22 is also available on an album with two other works featuring Krystall, including the Brahms Clarinet Quintet, in very good sound on Krystall's own Vivace Records, at vivacerecords.com.
THanks so much for this excellent article. I have several years ago purchased some of the K2B2 CDs, They are wonderful. I am glad to learn more about Mr Krystall.
A.B. Spellman's Black Music: Four Lives was among assigned books for a college course in the 70's and since then I've been fascinated by the music of Herbie Nichols -- by far the least well known among the four musicians profiled. It's an incredibly sad story that this incredible composer received so little attention during his lifetime and left so few recordings. (Note to Don Was & Joe Harley: please reissue Nichols Blue Notes!!!)
Fortunately musicians like Marty Krystall have recorded many Nichols compositions over the years, and hopefully will continue to do so with the passing of Rudd and Neidlinger.
Aside from his appearances with Neidlinger, I was not familiar with Krystall's work and looking forward to checking out his album with Tashi just ordered on Discogs.
Haven't heard several on the list but personally would've added wonderful The Happenings trio release with Krystall, Neidlinger and Howard Alden.