Circulasione Totale

Sat., Jan. 30, 8 p.m., $20, International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 215-387-5125, arsnovaworkshop.com.

by Shaun Brady

jazz

The old cliché goes that music is the universal language, but it rings cacophonously true in the case of the Circulasione Totale Orchestra. Led by multi-reedist Frode Gjerstad, the ensemble gathers a dozen musicians from around the world for an improvisatory dialogue, and no matter what language each individual member may speak, there seem to be no barriers to the deep and nuanced musical conversation that develops over their lengthy, sprawling pieces. Gjerstad staffs half the band with fellow Norwegians, including the prolifically inventive rhythm duo of Ingebrigt Haker Flaten and Paal Nilssen-Love, tuba player Borre Molstad, electronic musicians Lasse Marhaug and Morten J. Olsen, and guitarist Anders Hana (Olsen's partner in avant-noise duo MoHa!). But sharing duties with Nilssen-Love is legendary South African drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo, and Haker Flaten stands aside British bassist Nick Stephens. The States are also amply represented, by vibraphonist Kevin Norton, saxophonist Sabir Mateen and cornetist Bobby Bradford, best known for his stint with Ornette Coleman's quartet in the early '60s and an undersung figure in free jazz history. It's always dangerous to unleash this many strong voices at one time, but while they do raise the occasional ruckus, this United avant-Nations manages to avoid shouting one another into oblivion.