It’s Fire! And yes, the exclamation point is an official character in the name, not an editorial device.

Also check out the too-clever-by-half Myspace URL: www.myspace.com/ earthwindand. (Tee hee!)

Their home page at Rune Grammofon isn’t terribly interactive or helpful, but it tries:

This international improvising ensemble has been going since 1984 with various members, but a couple of years ago leader and legendary Norwegian sax and clarinet player Frode Gjerstad handpicked a new band of musicians that has meant something special for him during his long career.

 

…Between the youngest and oldest musician there are some fifty years, they come from three continents and they cover a wide range of musical ideas with their unique blend of acoustic, electric and electronic instruments. Frode Gjerstad wanted this to be a celebration of improvised music and we can only agree that he has succeeded on all levels. The music ranges from the volcanic to the quietly floating where it´s equally important for the musicians to know when not to play. In many ways this can be be seen as a great and relevant introduction to the many shades of free jazz and improvised music. The recordings were made at recent jazz festivals in Molde, Moers and Zürich.

Without the Myspace link back to you-know-who, readers of this column would never have known.

Stream the tracks “If I Took Your Hand” and “But Sometimes I Am CUT” for a glimpse.