Jason Robinson

Tiresian Symmetry Cuneiform Records***

The complex, coruscating music of pioneers such as Henry Threadgill and Steve Coleman casts long shadows over this nine-piece ensemble, put together by west coast composer, educator and saxophonist Jason Robinson. Being a composer in an improvised medium means setting up ideas and atmospheres, then getting out of the way and letting the musicians play. That is, for the most part, what Robinson does. His laboured explanation of the music's meaning (the title references the blind Greek seer Tiresias, who switched genders) may be a bit earnest, but there's no doubting the quality of the playing from an exciting, A-list ensemble, including saxophonist Marty Erlich, tubist Marcus Rojas, guitarist Liberty Ellman, bassist Drew Gress and drummers George Schuller and Ches Smith. jasonrobinson.com