As Far As Death is the cross-generational debut of fire music evangelist and saxophonist Paul Flaherty with double bassist and composer Zach Rowden. The Connecticut natives forge an album of dynamic free jazz interplay that also draws on imporous textures of contemporary music an ecstatic reflection. After a half century of blowing the alto and tenor saxes, Flahertys playing continues to molt and electrify. Whether solo, or with collaborators (Joe McPhee, Chris Corsano, Bill Nace, Daniel Carteretc.), his blues-based, lyrical melodies anchor lung-bursting gallops.

Rowden whether as Tongue Depressor (a string duo with Henry Birdsey), in performance with cellist Leila Bordreuil, or his own musique concrte constructions balances harshness and elegiac drones. His past releases resemble resolute exploration into acoustics and noise. Together, Flahertys monstrous howl is perfectly matched by Rowdens subterranean pitched drone and glacial pace. Each offers weeping lurches of tune, gasps of balladry and microtonal fields of interplay on five pieces. The side-long ‘Thrown Shadows’ is an epic passage of avant jazz vs minimalism, as Rowdens low-register bowing offers a blackened landscape for Flahertys most mournful notes. Artwork by Chris Corsano. Edition of 300.

Tracklist

1. The Question Drops
2. Under The Tough Acid
3. Fire In Smoke
4. Foot Stone
5. Thrown Shadows