Recorded live in Europe during a short tour, 'The Finnish / Swiss Tour' captures the Hal Russell NRG Ensemble in an unvarnished, high-energy state. The album features extended improvisations over Russell's compositions.
- The album was recorded in November 1991, just prior to the album's release. It was released on the German jazz label ECM Records. The ensemble consisted of Hal Russell on saxophone and trumpet, Joshua Abrams on bass, and Chad Taylor on drums.
- Hal Russell had previously released 'The Hal Russell Trio' in 1981 and 'Heavy Hearts' in 1990, both on the Nessa Records label. This album marked his debut on ECM Records.
- The album features extended improvisations that pushed the boundaries of bebop and free jazz. Critical reception focused on the raw energy and improvisational prowess of the trio.
Hal Russell was a jazz saxophonist and bandleader from Chicago, Illinois, known for his work in the AACM tradition. The Hal Russell NRG Ensemble was a vehicle for his compositions and improvisations in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Tracklist
