The name of Scott Rosenberg's 26-strong ensemble clearly references Anthony Braxton's Creative Construction Company, presumably intentionally so. Rosenberg has studied and recorded with Braxton, and this music often reveals his influence in its intricacy (Toys requires no fewer than five conductors) and density. The lineup reads like a roll call of Chicago's finest young improvisers (Kyle Bruckmann, Matt Bauder, Aram Shelton, Jeb Bishop, Tim Daisy, Jim Baker, etc.), but soloing is not the order of the day; multi-instrumentalist Rosenberg here restricts himself to conducting. The performers' extensive background in improvised music clearly shows through, notably in John Shiurba's guitar work, but Rosenberg's scores also reference the wider world of contemporary composition from European micropolyphony to the New York School. As on his excellent earlier large-ensemble outing, IE, the tone is unremittingly serious (the grey octave doublings on 7x/Sttm) and the orchestration dark, but there's a tough integrity to Rosenberg's music that demands -- and rewards -- concentrated listening. ~ Dan Warburton, Rovi

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