Chronicling more than 30 years of acclaimed Troy-native bassist Michael Bisio’s life as a composer in song form and otherwise, balancing freedom and swing in a euphorically compelling quartet. Named after its unusual instrumentation, Accortet is the eponymous debut of a group led by renowned contrabassist Michael Bisio, featuring the unique frontline of accordion and sax, played by Art Bailey and Adam Seigel, respectively, with Michael Wimberly manning the drums.

Accolades

An in-demand sideman among free jazz luminaries such as Joe McPhee, Ivo Perelman and Matthew Shipp, Bisio seldom issues albums as a bandleader these days, making this recording all the more intriguing for its inclusion of some surprisingly accessible material, starting with the joyous opener, “AM.” The tune’s sunny harmonies, buoyant bass lines, and upbeat rhythms belie Bisio’s reputation as an uncompromising avant-gardist, offering contrast to his usual work.

“Bisio takes a prominent role, guiding and directing the ensemble from behind his bass, and laying down sturdy contrapuntal commentary. His speech-like inflections are noteworthy during his wiry fast fingered solo passage on “Henry’s Theme” and also in his lyric intro to the attractive mid-tempo ballad “I Want To Do To You What Spring Does To Cherry Trees.” – John Sharpe, allaboutjazz.com

“I Want to Do to You What Spring Does to Cherry Trees” is one of the most purely lovely pieces of music in recent memory.” – Phil Freeman, New York City Jazz Review

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