While i enjoy avant garde music, and process pieces, I can see the argument that sometimes they're not emotionally engaging. For me being intellectually engaging is of equal import, so no issues for me. This piece, and specifically this CD, is an example where I'm engaged both intellectually and emotionally. In fact, it's one of the most emotional pieces I own throughout my collection. It's unbearably sad. I think of it as someone sitting in a room, very much in there with you, and then time eventually taking them away into the ether. It's an extraordinary piece. Lucier has written many great pieces, but this one is probably my favorite. It really is at another level, imo.
This is a wonderful CD. Very contemporary, and it's strange to have a vocalist and composer working in this medium. Still, everything about this is just incredible, from the recording and mastering through the performance/writing. Fantastic stuff.
Keith Rowe Axel Doerner Franz Hautzinger A View From the Window Recorded 11/29/2003 @ Amman Studios in Vienna Erstwhile records
I'm not sure whether I mentioned this before but the Another Timbre label is putting out some excellent stuff. I'm booked to see Apartment House in November and Philip Thomas playing two nights solo of Morton Feldman and Christian Wolff the following month.
I heard this for the first time a couple nights ago. It was a real "moment". Utterly compelling, it took me away to some other place. Just brilliant. I now know this is not a complete version, and further that a complete edition exists (on 4 CD's) for less than the price of this version. However, I knew I just had to have this one. It wasn't cheap. So be it. Astonishing recording. Wait until dark, preferably after midnight. Turn off the lights. Don the headphones. Take the journey.
Richard Barrett: Opening of the Mouth for two vocalists, instrumental ensemble and electronics (1992-97)
Sachiko M Toshimaru Nakamura Otomo Yoshihide Good Morning Good Night 2 CD set Recorded on August 2nd & 3rd, 2003 On erstwhile records
A 45 minute or so track based on the sounds of a squeaky door, a sigh, and a different sigh. Oh yes we can! All done pre-digital, where this stuff took a lot of commitment and hours upon hours to realize. Hey, before computers came on the scene, the tape recorder was an instrument all by itself. Nice recording this, and a decent booklet. I forgot I had it, but when going through a box I found it in there. A fun listen.
Hidden within the great 4 CD set celebrating Mats Gustaffson’s 50th Birthday is this 20 minute gem: “I accept my Longing” Mats on saxophones & live electronics Martin Brandlmayr on drums Paul Lytton on drums & bits & pieces Martin Siewart on guitar, electronics & ring stinger Dieb13 on turntables & klopfer The whole box is called Peace and Fire and it’s a prized possession Only issue is that I’d love it to have more of what was played on October 26th, 27th & 28th but I’m grateful we have what we have.
Seeing Fred end of this month @ The New Stone. I wish I could make more than 1 show. I’m going on 9/26 for his trio plus Lotte Anker.
Lucky you. I've always wanted to see him live. I picked up "All Is Always Now", the 3 cd live at the Stone set not long ago. A bounty of riches doesn't begin to do it justice. I'll be in NYC at the end of October and am planning on seeing William Parker on at least one, if not both, nights that he's there. Really looking forward to it.
Right now my plan for that week is Wednesday 10/23 with Assif with Mat Maneri & Ches Smith and then either Friday 10/25 or Saturday 10/26 for Assif with William Parker & Hamid Drake.