Michael Baird: No Dogmas Allowed

SWP RECORDS (RELEASED OCTOBER 2025)

(NOTE: This release just made its way to me and deserves a review.)
When asked how to describe the music on his most recent release, drummer Michael Baird answered, “modern music.” He could have simply used the title of the release by saying, “It’s No Dogmas Allowed music!” Five longtime musical friends now residing in The Netherland (and one from Belgium) came together leaving any musical beliefs they held as true behind them. The result is ten individual freely improvised tracks of open spaces, undulating rhythms, shifting timbres and visionary improvisations A hymn-like horn choir of Michael Moore (reeds), Jon Birdsong (cornet), Hans Hasebos (sax) and Henk Raven (tuba) opens the proceedings on “Short Awry Statement,” which quickly morphs into a free interchange of musical thoughts. There is a nod to the funereal music of Carla Bley on the opening and ending of “Blessing Counts.” The horns with Hasebos on vibes play the opening section in unison before launching into more free interplay that emphasizes the use of calming space and sonics. “Subterraneans” sounds exactly like the title — ominous at times as Birdsong’s cornet chatters and chirps while Raven’s tuba flutters in the lowest registers possible. Moore’s signature sound and lines are weave their way though the tune’s percussion interlude. Baird unleashes an arsenal of rhythms in an open conversation with Raven on tenor on “Dialogistic”. The short (two-minute) “Blowing Back” could easily fit as an interlude on an ICP Orchestra performance. Moore, Blair and Birdsong intertwine on three separate trio tracks that are as contemplative as they are combative. The musicians react to each other’s ideas on “Quintet Impro,” at times blustery and at other times dreamy. The session ends with “Meanwhile Revisited,” which showcases Birdsong’s cornet and Raven’s use of a baritone sax mouthpiece on his tuba (much like he does on “Subterraneans”) The best way to appreciate this music as a listener is to approach it in the same way the musicians did — with No Dogmas Allowed.

BOTTOM LINE: Open your ears and close your mind when listening to Michael Baird’s No Dogmas Allowed. It’s a recording rich in open spaces, undulating rhythms, shifting timbres and visionary improvisations.