Basement

Saxophonist Gebhard Ullmann might be the German equivalent of Chicago's Ken Vandermark. Both players are influential composers and both maintain multiple creative ensembles in Europe and the United States. Like Vandermark, Ullmann's catalog is vast. Hat And Shoes is his 50th release as a leader or co- leader, and this band Basement Research have put out seven titles. Similar to the now defunct Vandermark 5, Basement Research's quintet features a smart balance between composed and improvised music. Ullman's choice of sidemen has included saxophonists Ellery Eskelin, Tony Malaby, and now Julian Argüelles, with trombonist Steve Swell, bassist Pascal Niggenkemper and drummer Gerald Cleaver.

Dutchman's gravel voice is the dominant presence on these original songs from four consummate blues musicians. The first thing that hits you when you listen to this band is The Dutchman’s voice. Any description would have to include the word gravel. He also plays harmonica but the next thing that will jump out at you is the lead guitar work. Locals are still perplexed as to why a blues performer putting together a blues band would turn to an international punk-rocker famous for lighting guitars on fire to work with. Matt Roman still brings the heat with his own unique style. The result is a symbiotic team that is both energetic and entertaining. The rhythm section includes former Blues Brothers Revue bassist Adam Roberts and the intuitive drum work of bluesman Pat Allen. They wrote all the material for their first CD release which includes an impressive eleven original songs.

The official release of The Basement Tapes – which were first heard on a 1968 bootleg called The Great White Wonder – plays with history somewhat, as Robbie Robertson overemphasizes the Band's status in the sessions, making them out to be equally active to Dylan, adding in demos not cut at the sessions and overdubbing their recordings to flesh them out…