International Front
   Steelwool Trio
   Ken Vandermark (tenor saxophone)
   Curt Newton (drums)
   Kent Kessler (bass)

"Vandermark's endless variety in playing situations reflects his unquenchable thirst for musical growth and experience. The approach and sound of Steelwool is no exception. Apart from representing his first regular working reed-bass-drums trio -- there's surely a line, albeit a crooked one, from Sonny Rollins to Steelwool -- Newton's penchant for restrained playing forces a recurring sense of space previously missing in much of Vandermark's work. Whether Kessler's authoritative playing fills in gaps or simply lets silence creep in, Vandermark offers some of the most thoughtful and emotional playing." -- Peter Margasak, from the liner notes

9 tracks in 73:53 minutes      More Okka

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Expansion Slang (Vandermark, McBride, Newton)

Version Soul (Vandermark, Drake, McBride)

Kollapse (Gratkowski, Wierbos, Manderscheid, and Hemingway)

Live In Wels & Chicago (DKV Trio)

"Anybody familiar with Vandermark's work in the reformed NRG Ensemble (which he joined after the death of its visionary leader Hal Russell) will know what to expect from this trio session with fellow NRG member Kessler. It is by and large action-packed free jazz played with guts, virtuosity and humour, summoning up the spirits of Ayler, Russell, Ra and Dolphy, but is tempered with moments of absorbing introspection." -- The Wire