1. The Optimist
2. Jesenik
3. Clear Cut
4. Line Out
5. Low Thresholds
6. Mt. Rundle (mp3)
7. Giant Elephant Head (mp3)
8. Sarug & Terah
9. Norse
10. The Bridge (mp3)

François Théberge - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones
Andy Middleton - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones
Paul Imm - Bass
Alan Jones - Drums

This stimulating quartet is reminiscent of Ornette Coleman’s group in its tonalities and rhythmic constructs, although the tunes tend not to have Coleman’s eccentricities. Both Middleton and Theberge are adventuresome soloists. Wild as the improvisation occasionally gets, however, the solid work of bassist Imm and drummer Jones has a centrifugal effect. I found myself smiling a lot as I listened to this one.

- Doug Ramsey

Jazz Times

“The first view of the American/Canadian band The Fensters shows an unusual setup - 2 saxophones, bass and drums, and in their instrumentation we find lie exhaustive possibilities. Alan Jones stamps the entire sound with his dynamic drumming and finds in bassist Paul Imm a congenial partner. Almost rascal-like, the two play rhythmic tricks on each other. In their experimentation they surprised each other and brought the musicians and the audience to laughter. Francois Theberge is an energetic, technical and exceptional player, contrasting with his partner and foil Middleton, whose restraint gives the melodic development of his solos great conviction. both have perfect control of the entire spectrum of jazz improvisation, from the swing riffs of Duke Ellington’s “Dancers in Love: to abstract free excursions. Whoever has the opportunity to experience this group live shouldn’t miss the chance; “The Fensters open the eyes to unexplored musical possibilities.”

- Jurgen Schwab

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

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