For Cutting Off the Edge of Time, the small Penumbra label went out of its more "introspective creative music" way: This CD is full of burning hot free improv. Taken from an October 2000 studio session between tenor saxophonist Steve Nelson-Raney and drummer Jon Mueller, it packs a lot of energy. A parallel could be drawn to Ivo Perelman and Jay Rosen's CD The Hammer (on Leo Records), even though Nelson-Raney puts less pathos in his playing than the Brazilian. Somewhere between Perelman and Evan Parker, he often remains close to jazz, has plenty of fire in his belly, and applies some of the British master's techniques. As for Jon Mueller (of Pele and Telecognac), he drums as if his life depended on it, displaying octopusian capabilities and interplay sensibilities worthy of Rashied Ali. The improvisations remain short (under ten minutes), allowing the musicians as well as listeners to catch their breaths. Softer passages turn into lyrical jazz credos (Falling Gardens) and provide a nice change of pace from the more maniacal outbursts. The last two tracks are simply riveting. Anyone fond of John Coltrane's Interstellar Space should lend an ear in the direction of Cutting Off the Edge of Time. As usual with Penumbra's productions, this CD is released in a limited edition of 500 numbered copies. Strongly recommended. ~ François Couture, Rovi

1		Burning Landscapes
2		Electric Madness
3		Falling Gardens
4		Filtered Anthills
5		Steel Nostrils
6		Blanked Shadows
7		Unburied Crucifixions