In jazz circles, Ken Schaphorst has been praised for his skills as a bandleader, arranger, and composer, but he hasn't been known for taking a lot of extended solos; on some of his albums, Schaphorst doesn't do any playing at all. Like Duke Ellington, Schaphorst has tended to see his band as his instrument, and has been more than happy to let his employees take the solos. But on Indigenous Technology, he does the unexpected by stepping away from larger ensembles, and leading a small trio (which employs Matt Turner on cello and Dane Richeson on marimba and percussion). This time, Schaphorst has plenty of room to stretch out as a trumpeter, flugelhornist, and pianist -- and for Schaphorst's admirers, hearing him on Indigenous Technology is a lot like hearing Ellington's infrequent work as a trio or solo pianist. It's a departure from the norm, but a highly appealing departure. As a soloist, Schaphorst has plenty to say in this more intimate setting. The material tends to be reflective, contemplative, and lyrical -- even pretty at times. But Schaphorst has always believed in keeping his options open, and even though most of the trio's performances are relatively accessible, there are some abstract, highly cerebral moments as well. Blink, for example, is an angular piece that is somewhere between Thelonious Monk and Chicago's AACM. This CD is more inside than outside -- probably about 85-90 percent inside -- but the outside element is certainly there. And even though Indigenous Technology doesn't have nearly as many musicians as other Schaphorst projects, it is typical of his work in that he is willing to look both inside and outside "the tradition" (meaning straight-ahead jazz) for inspiration. With Indigenous Technology, Schaphorst gives us a major surprise while maintaining his high artistic standards. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi

1		Introduction
2		Mode for Max
3		Slide
4		Shades of Bronze
5		Desert Places
6		Indigenous Technology
7		See Through You
8		Looking East
9		Invisible Choir
10		Translucency
11		Interlude
12		Mbira
13		Blink

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