PAPATAMUS REDUX

Park West Records — Released September 4, 2026

The new release from saxophonist and producer Jim Clouse can best be described through several of the titles (indicated below in quotes) included on this unusual recording. It is unusual, in part, because Clouse and drummer Patrick Golden recorded their parts at Clouse’s Park West Studios in New York City, while bassist Dave Moss added his contributions in a Japanese studio. Somehow, it all comes together in two long improvised pieces that were subsequently divided into seven separate tracks. From Far Away finds the trio “Breaking Away” from conventional musical traditions in keeping with the vision of Park West Records: to nurture raw talent and foster groundbreaking sounds that redefine the landscape of avant-garde, free jazz, experimental, improvised and through-composed music. Clouse is the primary soloist throughout much of the recording, displaying his “Let Me Tell You” boisterous musical sensibilities through swirling lines, shifting rhythms and joyful improvisation. Golden and Moss seem to be “Hanging On” to Clouse’s every twist and turn, complementing his musical choices while also prodding him toward increasingly abstract musical adventures. Although Clouse remains in the “Thick of It” throughout much of From Far Away, there are moments when Moss and Golden step forward with compelling and moving solos of their own. There is simply “Nothing Wasted” on From Far Away. The music is constantly in flux, twisting and turning according to the creativity and intuition of the three musicians. Despite being 7,000 miles apart, they seem to be communicating face-to-face—or, more specifically, ear-to-ear. Although divided into separate tracks, the “7even” selections seamlessly flow from one to the next, creating a stream of musical consciousness not unlike the Beat writings of Jack Kerouac. It was most likely “A Long Night” of free improvisation that resulted in this challenging yet rewarding release. The music may sound as though it comes From Far Away, but it is grounded in the post-Coltrane/Coleman adventures that continue to add vitality to one of America’s greatest artistic and cultural gifts to the world. The name of the band, Active Driveway, has its own unusual story. According to Clouse, while walking around New York City he would see the words “Active Driveway” spray-painted everywhere. The phrase captured his attention, and he simply decided it was the perfect name for the band. Like the music they play, inspiration can come from any source.

BOTTOM LINE: Record producer Jim Clouse often steps to the other side of the studio window to become a recording artist. On From Far Away, he demonstrates his commitment to the mission of his Park West label—to nurture raw talent and foster groundbreaking sounds that redefine the landscape of avant-garde, free jazz, experimental, improvised and through-composed music.