Where the Sky Ended

All but one of the pieces heard here was released in 1994 on the obscure Magnatone label. Reissued in 2000 by hatOLOGY with its customarily gorgeous packaging and extensive liner notes by scholar Art Lange, this release memorializes one of the finest original improvisers of the free jazz genre who never received his due. While Grossman was not totally disengaged from the influence of Cecil Taylor, his cluster-filled style had a unique approach that is shown to good effect on this recording. Alternatively quiet and energetic, he never seems to lapse into cliché, instead forging continually new frontiers. Each of the six trio pieces was entirely improvised, with outstanding contributions from bassist Ken Filiano and percussionist Alex Cline. The bonus track, "Moon, Tap-Dancing Outside" (the titles are attributed to Dorothea Grossman), is a feature for the bassist, who displays remarkable chops.