 Andrew
Barker, Matthew Shipp, Charles Waters
"Apostolic Polyphony" CD
Drimala
Records
Genres: free jazz, improv
Drimala Records
PO Box 69044
Hampton, VA
23669-9344
Aug 11 - 17 2003 |
Apostolic
Polyphony, a collaboration between drummer Andrew Barker,
pianist Matthew Shipp, and clarinetist / saxist Charles
Waters, is just the type of free jazz that makes improv fans go
wild. Every track on this energetic record serves only to reaffirm how
talented this bunch is.
The disc opens with "Part-one Invention", an eleven and a
half minute introduction to the ensemble's sound. Right from the start
they come off as very enthusiastic players. Barker's
unrelenting percussion provides the perfect rhythmic balance to Shipp's
surprisingly tuneful piano playing and Waters' passionate
playing. Another highlight is definitely "Three-part
Invention," a notably moody piece featuring some terrific
saxophone playing; Waters uses complex slurs complemented by
longer sustained notes to build an almost cinematic atmosphere. His
playing becomes more abrupt and sudden to bring on the track's climax.
The background accompaniment by the piano and drums flows well with
the sax. The track's final minute comprises one of the most exuberant
free improv moments in recent history. Shannon Fields'
electronic remix of "Part-four Invention" is also included
here; it's a remarkable experimental track that combines the band's
enthusiastic instrumentation with messed up computer music.
Free jazz and improv fans would be well advised to seek out Apostolic
Polyphony. The eight performances on this disc see Barker, Shipp,
and Waters performing at their best. The results are
mind-blowing.
87%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 8 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
