The Planck temperature. The temperature at which matter ceases exist and conventional physics is destroyed. Nova says that at this point “strange and unknown things” begin to occur to phenomena we hold dear such as space and time. This is also a good description of what happens when you combine the cerebral flamboyance and Andrew Drury’s kaleidoscopicpercussion with the deep bass sound of Kevin Ray. Jazz’s great tradition includes the reinterpretation and interpretation of works by its master composers. This is because of the uniqueness and complexity of the interpretive process. It makes a repertory-focused group far more than a “cover” band. But 1032K’s approach is truly exceptional. Instead of focusing on the more established masters (e.g. Miles, Monk, Ellington), this trio focuses on the less-known and lesser-known ones. This remarkable trio, which includes their own compositions has selected an impressive repertoire from some of today’s most innovative composers and musicians. These include Sam Rivers and Albert Ayler, Roswell Rudd and Henry Threadgill, as well as unique interpretations of Jimi Hendrix, Strayhorn, and Henry Threadgill. Their debut album, That Which Is Planted, is out on Oliver Lake’s Passin’ Thru label. It features their interpretations and takes on works by Threadgill, Ayler Joe Ford, Steve McCall, and Ayler. This territory is best explored by 1032K, who have worked with an incredible group of artists of today. McCoy Tyner and Julius Hemphill are just a few of the many great artists that the members have shared the stage with. 1032K is a unique and enjoyable journey through modern jazz history. They also make a lot of their own music along the way. After studying at Berklee College of Music, Boston, and Rutgers University, New Jersey, Frank Lacy was a great tour leader with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Abdullah Ibrahim. He also performed with Julius Hemphill and Julius Hemphill. He was part of the Bobby Watson Horizon Band, and spent one year as musical director for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Frank was a part of Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy as a singer and arranger, and as a trombonist in the big bands McCoy Tyner (and David Murray). He is one of the longest-serving members of Mingus Big Band. Two albums are available on Enja: Tonal Weights and Measures and Settegast Step. Andrew Drury is an educator, percussionist and composer. His work is driven by an interest in exploration and expansion. He also loves tradition, humor, lyricism and comedy. He spent his formative years devoted to jazz. This included studies with Dave Coleman at Wesleyan University and Ed Blackwell at Wesleyan University. He also had the opportunity to play with a variety of artists, including Wadada Leo Smith, Wayne Horvitz, Dickie Wells, and Brad Mehldau, a young Brad Mehldau. He uses friction and air pressure, in addition to the “conventional” techniques, along with a variety gears, clamps and construction site debris, to create a wide range of frequencies and textures from the drums. He is renowned for his circular breathing and bowing to a metal dustpan. Drury has played with many musicians, including Jason Kao Hwang and TOTEM, Iron Dogs, Steve Swell, Jack Wright, among others. His four albums as a bandleader include Myra Melford and Mark Dresser, Briggan Kruss, Chris Speed, and others. He has recorded more than 40 albums with Christine Abdelnour and Michel Doneda as well as Peter Evans, Charles Gayle and Darius Jones. Many young musicians were recognising the past and embracing it, but Kevin Ray was listening to the call of The Art Ensemble of Chicago (Henry Threadgill), The World Saxophone Quartet, Andrew Cyrille, and other artists who valued innovation over preservation. Kevin supported himself in the 90s by working straight at Forbes Publishing as a manager of a division. He continued to study and play, and towards the end of the decade, he met Andrew Hill, one of his spiritual mentors. Ray explains that Andrew gave him the confidence to be serious about being a musician. He played with Oliver Lake, John Stubblefield and John Hicks regularly, as well performing and recording with other great artists such as Ray Anderson, Kalaparusha Maurice MacIntyre, Hamiet Bluiett, Hamiet Blueiett, John Stubblefield and John Stubblefield. He was also a performer in the premieres for major works by a variety of composers including Joe McPhee, Leroy Jenkins, and Lee Hyla. What appeared to be a bout of strep throat back in 2000 became a decade-long battle with mysterious maladies that left Ray without a proper diagnosis and robbed him of his strength. He also suffered from pain and other issues. Ray was able to recover from hernia surgery in 2011 and is now fully recovered and performing at his peak as an improviser and player. from www.mediasanctuary.org
