1/26: Frode Gjerstad Trio at Beachland

By Frank Lewis on Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 12:46 pm

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Playing extreme music is difficult to begin with; it’s even harder when you’re playing it alone. Saxophonist Frode Gjerstad was born in 1948 in Norway and was one of the nation’s first musicians to fully embrace the unbound sound of free jazz. Inspired by the gruff, passionate tone of Clevelander Albert Ayler, Gjerstad had trouble finding simpatico souls, so his debut album (released on cassette!) was a truly solo recording. After playing with icons like American William Parker and Brit Derek Bailey, Gjerstad established himself as one of the prime movers of Euro-“out” jazz. These days, Gjerstad has plenty of mates to kick out the jams with. For his current U.S. tour, British bass vet Nick Stephens and powerhouse Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love join him onstage. They play the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124) at 8 p.m. The Oblique Orchestra opens. Tickets: $10. — Mark Keresman