The Minimalism of Eric Satie
Posted by: John C on 04 April 2002
Vienna Art orchestra - The minimalism of Eric Satie. Wonderful witty, complex reflections on the music of Satie from a jazz or improvisational standpoint. "The digression we have here contains the didactic ulterior motive, already hinted at in the title, of assimilating substantial affinities between Satie and todays musical currents- not only jazz" as the marvellously ridiculous liner notes have it.
Aubade, Meditation, Severe reprimande etc and most excitingly Vexations. The latter is broken into 3 pieces each with a featured soloist improvising over Woody Schabata's haunting vibes which mark out the repeated chords of Saties original. Soloists are Harry Sokal on soprano, Lauren Newton on vocals (think Billie Whitelaw as Winnie in Happy Days) and most beautifully, Wolfgang Puschnig on a great bassclarinet tour de force.
Horace Tapscott - The dark Tree Vols 1 and 2
Masterpiece from one of the most underated jazz musicians ever. Also featuring the genius of John Carter on clarinet. The title track has a rock solid bass and drums core from Cecil Mc Bee and Andrew cyrille with an almost martial beat, and big insistent crashing waves of chords or delicate flourishes from Tapscott on piano. Marvellous and elemental. Sketches of drunken mary flat out swings. I'd say if you get Monk or Herbie Nicholls you would love this record. Lino's pad is a stand out gem with hard groove overlaid with Tapscotts crystal clear notes and ostinatos, with an occasional lovely disonance and then a long clarinet solo from carter of almost Dolphesque joy. Awesome.
Anthony Braxton Quartet Dortmund. Braxton, Lewis, Holland ,. Altschul. Scintillating avant garde jazz at its best. Tremendous live concert with this astounding band at the height of their powers.I'm only just starting on the Braxton universe. Great version of Composition 23J. Fabulous.
Cecil Taylor- It is in the Brewing Luminous.
The master, in inimitable form but almost overshadowed by the mighty Jimmy Lyons on alto saxophone. A huge giant tidal wave of music for the soul. Probably not for the uninitiated.
Four masterworks.
John.
[This message was edited by John C on THURSDAY 04 April 2002 at 23:50.]