Union is the second album by Paradoxical Frog, a collective trio consisting of pianist Kris Davis, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. It was recorded in 2011 and released on the Portuguese Clean Feed label.[1]
The Down Beat review by Bill Meyer says that, "This music is so concerned with essence that it sometimes errs on the side of severity; one wishes for just a bit more payoff after so much restraint."[3]
In a double review for JazzTimes Lloyd Sachs states, "That Union is [fun] speaks to how much Davis, Laubrock and Sorey enjoy not only their group concept, but playing in each other's company."[5]
Martin Longley of the BBC commented: "The concept behind this trio is one of complete equality. Sometimes the trio can perform in a completely improvising frame of mind, but this recording inserts a significant ratio of composed themes, naturally infused with more spontaneous diversions. Each member contributes their own pieces... All spheres are open to the Frog."[6]
The Free Jazz Collective's Paolo Casertano called the album "fascinating," and remarked: "Every musician takes his time to distil few powerful notes... This is, among the trio releases I've been lately listening to, maybe the closest to a spoken conversation. I have no other words to describe it."[4]