CURLEW / CUNEIFORM RECORDS





Fred Chalenor is a member of HUGHSCORE

CURLEW
Samm Bennett • Pippin Barnett • Rick Brown • George Cartwright • Fred Chalenor • Chris Cochrane • Tom Cora • Amy Denio • Anton Fier • Fred Frith • Bruce Golden • Dean Granros • Wayne Horvitz • Mark Howell • Chris Parker • Ann Rupal • Nicky Skopelitis • Davey Williams • Otto Williams • Kenny Wollesen
	MERCURY RUNE 177	In the words of Option, "Curlew is the best and most obstinately committed band to emerge from New York's Knitting Factory-based alternative music scene...". Curlew was formed in 1979 by George Cartwright, the group's leader, saxophonist, and main composer. Cartwright's compositions are at once direct and mysterious, possessing a clarity and focus that show both Ellington and Ornette assimilated in a most unique way. Backed by the hard-rocking unit of Chris Parker-electric keyboards and piano, Dean Granros-guitar, Fred Chalenor-bass and Bruce Golden-drums, Curlew somehow manage to combine r’n’b swagger and groove with free jazz and wild soloing into a whole that is immediately identifiable as nothing other than “Curlew”! “As a unit Curlew is focused and structured...(they are) a finely tuned machine with a sparkling identity.”-All About Jazz. Curlew are well known and well respected for almost 25 years of exciting work. Mercury is their 10th release; may they rock for another 25!




	NORTH AMERICA RUNE 167	North America reissues their obscure 2nd album, which was recorded in 1984-85 and originally released only in Germany. It features the band in transition from it's original line-up into the band that helped to define the "Knitting Factory Sound" in the mid/late 1980's, and who the New York Times, called, "the best of the unsigned, genre-busting downtown groups". North America is an unusual album in the band's oeuvre, as it's their one album that is the most obviously a product of the studio, and it's also their most overtly 'avant-progressive' release. Like all the band's work, it is a unique synthesis of gritty Southern r 'n' b, harmolodics, finger-popping grooves and the avant-garde. The band who perform on North America is pretty much an all-star ensemble of the emerging 'downtown' scene: Appearing as always are saxist/leader George Cartwright and cellist Tom Cora. Fred Frith appears in the role of bassist (& 2nd guitarist), which might seem a little suprising until one remembers that for many years he held down the bass chair in Naked City. The guitarist is Mark Howell. Drum duties are split between Rick Brown and Pippin Barnett. Pippin would become Curlew's drummer for the next six years. In addition to the personnel on the original album, there is 30' of never-heard bonus live material included which was recorded a year before the recording of the album, and which features Cartwright, Cora, guitarist Nicky Skopelitis, drummer Anton Fier and bassist Otto Williams. We remastered it for better sound than the original issue, and repackaged it as well, with great liner notes by Michael Decapite. "Curlew was always a fascinating group and I was delighted to be involved with it, however briefly. Producing this record was a lot of fun, and I think George and Tom definitely had some composing chemistry going on. They always sounded best when their "Southern" roots were most obvious, and I think that shines through on North America more than ever. Maybe that was the point of the title? Plus I wrote Person to Person for George and it's one of my favorite compositions, and actually the first time I played with the idea of a sax quartet, which proved to be rich territory for me over the years. So I've always had a soft spot for this record!" – Fred Frith
	MEET THE CURLEWS! RUNE 157	Meet the Curlews features long-time members Cartwright and guitarist Davey Williams as well as new members bassist Fred Chalenor (Hughscore), drummer Bruce Golden and pianist Chris Parker, whose contributions swing the genre-busting band more firmly into the realm of jazz. The eighth brilliant album by the band that The Wire called "...one hell of a group", and who Option referred to as "...the best and most obstinately commited band to emerge from New York's Knitting Factory based alternative music scene."
	FABULOUS DROP RUNE 105	Fabulous Drop is the seventh album from this all star downtown band. This fantastic, extremely high-energy release features leader/saxist George Cartwright, the great dual guitar team of Davey Williams & Chris Cochrane, bassist Ann Rupel & drummer Kenny Wollesen. Great tunes, great playing & a unique sensibility - George mines a unique, truly Southern avant esthetic unlike anything else in new music. "...one hell of a group..."-The Wire. "This is seriously good music & the performances are deceptively tight...if you're looking for something with 1st rate musical standards, smart performances, brilliant sonic surprises & nutritious brain food, grab it."-Memphis Commercial Appeal.
	PARADISE RUNE 80	Paradise changes the format to sax, dual guitarists [Davey Williams and Chris Cochrane], bassist Ann Rupel and drummer Samm Bennett. "Curlew's new twin-guitar lineup has resulted in, perhaps, the most satisfying yet of recordings by this criminally unrecognized band ".-Henry Kaiser. "Curlew is the best and most obstinately commited band to emerge from N.Y.'s Knitting Factory-based alternative music scene..."-Option.
	A BEAUTIFUL WESTERN SADDLE RUNE 50	With the recent death of Paul Haines who provided the lyrics to A Beautiful Western Saddle, it now seems over a decade later as if this was the culmination of...well, of something really special. And for me, this is the best-ever usage of Paul's words (yes, even better than his great work with Carla Bley). This was the last by the classic lineup of Tom Cora, Davey Williams, Ann Rupel, & Pippin Barnett, with the addition of lyrics by noted poet Paul Haines & singing by Amy Denio. This brings the concept of the "art song" into a whole new light. "It's been awhile since anyone has written such compelling SONGS. I still can't believe (Western Saddle) is as magnificent as it is. Should be a massive hit in every kitchen...." -Mike King.	THIS TITLE IS OUT OF PRINT
	THE HARDWOOD VHS video RUNE 47	The Hardwood is an 80' hi-fi stereo video, shot by a four camera crew with the sound recorded digitally. It was professionally edited, and captures the excitment of the band live. The players are the 'classic' lineup of George Cartwright (saxes), Tom Cora (cello), Davey Williams (guitar), Ann Rupel (bass) and Pippin Barnett (drums). This is a rare opportunity to see the band in action, recorded in excellent stereo sound.
	BEE RUNE 27	Bee was the first by the classic lineup of George Cartwright, Tom Cora, Davey Williams, Ann Rupel & Pippin Barnett. This was the version of the band that would sell out the Knitting Factory night after night, and also toured all over the USA as well as Eastern and Western Europe.
	LIVE IN BERLIN RUNE 12	''Jazz record of the week...one of the best of New York's downtown bands, & [Live In Berlin] captures the group at its most intense, roadhouse best.''-The New York Times.