Jim Hobbs' "Fully Celebrated Orchestra" is actually a pianoless trio that plays very much in the tradition of the early
Ornette Coleman groups. Their melodies are brief and percussive, leading to free bop improvisations that usually have a steady pulse but are otherwise pretty free.
Hobbs' ability to improvise fresh and unpredictable melodies is impressive. His tone on some of the songs (most notably "Freedom, Right Now!" and the ballad "Peace & Pig Grease") is often straight from
Coleman but he also throws in some interval jumps reminiscent of
Eric Dolphy along with his own tonal distortions, upper-register screeches and unusual ideas. While bassist
Timo Shanko and drummer Django Carranza are alert and stimulating in support of the leader, the focus throughout is on
Jim Hobbs' colorful alto. This is an impressive outing of fiery and explorative yet often melodic music that is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow