Beneath Tones Floor

Beneath Tones Floor is a live album by reed player Oluyemi Thomas, bassist Sirone, and drummer Michael Wimberly recorded at the Brecht Forum in New York City in 2008.

Working through insistent phrases with the vocalized edge of an Eric Dolphy, the reed man overlays a nervy yelp in the upper register onto his gruff exclamations, while he is nasal on the musette but full-toned and astringent on soprano saxophone.

"[3] In a separate All About Jazz article, Tim Niland commented: "this beautiful package... makes for a fitting send off for the great bassist Sirone who passed away not long after this recording was completed... the music unfolds gradually, with a sense of calm dignity that shows the musicians compassion for the performance and the Cosmos at large.

There's a genuine feeling of praise and celebration, a hope borne of faith in a spiritual realm, and an energy and urgency that's needed to break the bonds and illusions of this world and reach a higher truth.

Wimberly... knows exactly how to color the proceedings; using cross sticking, focused rim shots and clattering rumbles... Sirone's death means this rare example of cohesive, in-the-moment improvising can never be repeated.