Memory/Vision by Evan Parker: Electro-Acoustic Ensemble

09 Apr

Written by Glenn Astarita
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This latest installment of saxophonist Evan Parker’s "Electro-Acoustic Ensemble" commemorates Charles Arthur Muses’ philosophies pertaining to Chronotopology. Hence, the nonet’s interleaving subtleties lucidly mirror the album title, as the electric and acoustic element; once again balance out rather poignantly.

Saxes, signal processing equipment, computers, and other artificial intelligence type devices are carefully woven into the acoustic improvisations throughout the program. At times, drifty and quietly powerful, the musicians toggle between a gothic approach amid elements of solstice via polytonal sounds and statements. Parker’s chord voicing type circular movements sometimes cast an ominous edge. While his longtime associate, bassist Barry Guy executes sinuous lines atop percussionist Paul Lytton’s asymmetrical way of engineering a pulse. In addition, the mix is noticeably uncluttered and spacious. You’ll detect EFX induced trickling noises commingled with dabs of electro-mechanical articulations. Ultimately, the musicians’ unpredictability provides the ingredients for what translates into a strangely beautiful endeavor! (Recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Evan Parker: Electro-Acoustic Ensemble
CD Title: Memory/Vision
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: ECM Records
Musicians: Evan Parker (soprano sax, tapes and samples), Philipp Wachsmann (violin & electronics), Agusti Fernandez (piano & prepared piano), Barry Guy (double bass), Paul Lytton (percussion & electronics), Lawrence Casserley (signal processing instrument), Joel Ryan (computer & sound processing), Walter Prati (electronics & sound processing), Marco Vecchi (electronics & sound processing)
Label Website: http://www.ecmrecords.com
Rating: Four Stars