NRG Ensemble (album)

NRG Ensemble is the debut album by American jazz multi-instrumentalist Hal Russell, which was recorded in 1981 and released on Nessa. It was reissued in 2012 with new artwork and two bonus tracks previously unreleased from a demo tape the band gave to producer Chuck Nessa prior to the sessions.[1][2]

NRG Ensemble
Studio album by
Hal Russell NRG Ensemble
Released1981
RecordedMay 11, 1981
StudioSolid Sound
GenreJazz
Length47:15
LabelNessa
ProducerChuck Nessa
Hal Russell chronology
Elixir
(1979)		 NRG Ensemble
(1981)		 Eftsoons
(1981)

Background

By the time he made his first commercially released LP with the NRG Ensemble in 1981, Hal Russell had already spent the better part of a decade experimenting with different sidemen, formations and instrumentations.[3] This early version of the band included drummer and vibist Steve Hunt, two bassists, Brian Sandstrom and Curt Bley, and reedist Chuck Burdelik, a replacement for the departed Mars Williams, who left the group to tour with rock bands The Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs. In addition to the drums, vibes, and saxophone, Russell threw in some shenai, cornet, and zither.[4]

Reception

The Tiny Mix Tapes review by Clifford Allen says about the 2012 reissue "this wonderfully remastered and augmented early set is indispensable for fans of contemporary improvisation and those who want to hear more of Chicago’s creative music roots."[5]

Track listing
All compositions by Hal Russell
  1. "Uncontrollable Rages" – 18:20
  2. "Kit Kat" – 5:40
  3. "Linda Jazz Princess" – 18:10
  4. "Seven Spheres" – 5:05

Bonus tracks (2012 CD reissue)

  1. "Lost Or?" - 11:50
  2. "C Melody Mania" - 13:05
Recorded January 10, 1981

Personnel
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References
  1. Original Liner Notes by Chuck Nessa
  2. The undiminished power of Hal Russell at Chicago Reader
  3. Elixir liner notes by John Corbett at Atavistic Records
  4. A Fickle Sonance a column by Art Lange at Point of Departure Issue 41 - December 2012
  5. NRG Ensemble review by Clifford Allen at Tiny Mix Tapes
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