Chris Cooke - KIOS

What would be the result of a meeting between jazz, rock, country, and improvisational music? Find out on Anvils and Broken Bells, the second release from saxophonist AJ Kluth. Kluth's musical odyssey explores new ground with a new ensemble, Aldric, a collective comprised of some of the most in demand musicians on the Chicago scene. Led by AJ Kluth, saxophone and melodica, the band also includes guitarist Toby Summerfield, trumpeter James Davis, drummer Quin Kirchner and bassist Dan Thatcher. Eight original numbers are featured on the disc including the riveting "Saskatoon" which is a moody gem informed by Kluth's melodica and Summerfield's guitar. A solid, riveting session.

Tom Hull - Western New England University, Village Voice

Tenor saxophonist, based in Chicago. Second album. Group is electric -- electric guitar ("many buttons & knobs"), electric bass, with both Kluth and trumpeter James Davis credited with effects. Fusion, I suppose, but not a throwback to the 1970s jazz fusion stuff (though maybe Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath): dense sheets of sound, heavy on the heavy, occasional fast breaks. B+(*)