Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones is a US jazz group based in the United States and active from 1998 to the present. It is a trio centred on alto saxophonist Matana Roberts, with drummer Chad Taylor and bassist Josh Abrams. The group forms after the three musicians meet in Chicago at a performance space, and Roberts and Abrams also play regularly at open jam sessions at Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge. With encouragement from Fred Anderson, they become the house band for the Sunday night sessions at the club.

Formation and early work

The trio plays together for several years before taking the name Sticks and Stones, using the title of a favourite Chad Taylor composition. Their first album, Sticks and Stones, appears in 2002 on Chicago label 482 Music. Their second release, Shed Grace, follows on Thrill Jockey. It is recorded at Semaphore Studios with Ken B. Brown and is made in three sessions after the group’s first US tour. The recording is done live to tape with no edits or overdubs.

Style and repertoire

The group works in jazz, free jazz, improvisation and avant jazz. Its material on Shed Grace is mostly original, with writing divided equally among the three members. The album also includes versions of songs by Fela Kuti, Thelonious Monk and Billy Strayhorn, showing the trio’s range of influences and approach to reinterpretation.

Members and wider work

Chad Taylor is also associated with Chicago Underground, the Sam Prekop Band and Active Ingredients. Josh Abrams has ties to Town and Country, the Sam Prekop Band, David Boykin Expanse, Nicole Mitchell Black Earth Ensemble and The Roots. Matana Roberts is the trio’s saxophonist and the named member in this entry.