Across the Omniverse (1996)

About this title: Marking the tenth anniversary of their existence as a performing unit, Across the Omniverse is a two-CD set which documents live recordings from 1986-1995. There are six different configurations of the band, each containing a shifting cast of ten or 11 members and the selections offer a good representation of the type of material they generally performed. Essentially, they are a just slightly left of mainstream group with fairly "standard" charts augmented by soloists quite capable of playing outside. Leader Russ Gershon showed a strong affinity for Ellington and Mingus as well as various ... read more

Tracks:

1. The Jeep Is Jumpin' [Ellington/Hodges]
2. Theme from the E-Men [Gershon]
3. No Negative Energy (Intro) [Skinner]
4. No Negative Energy [Skinner]
5. Doghouse Interior [Hasselbring]
6. In a Sentimental Mood [Ellington/Kurtz/Mil]
7. Big Butt [DAngelo]
8. The Look of Love [Bacharach/David]
9. Night of the Living Blues [Jewell]
10. Swamiji's Mood [Tchicai]
11. Born in a Suitcase [Gershon]
12. The New Llama Walk [Kohlhase]
13. Caravan [Ellington/Mills/Tiz]
14. Timon of Athens [Ellington]
15. Blue Lights [Gryce]
16. There's a Bus That's Leaving Soon for Alban Berg's House [Nieske]
17. Coltrane in Paradise [Simmons]
18. The Door [Hasselbring]
19. Pendulum [Beirach]
20. I Want You (She's So Heavy) [Lennon/McCartney]
21. Ballad for Sun Ra [Gershon]
22. Jump [Nieske]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.