 Ernesto
Diaz-Infante / Bob Marsh
"Rags and Stones" CDR
Public
Eyesore
Genres: free improv, avant-garde
Bryan Day / PE
3803 S 25th St.
Omaha, NE 68107
Dec 9 - 15 2002 |
Free
improv. You either love it, or you don't get what the fuck's up with
it. And this split-cdr will do nothing to change that. In fact, unless
you already are a fan of the free improvisatory style, this album is
very likely to piss you off. But to those already acquainted with the
style, well, this will prove to be quite a treat.
Comprised of sparse guitarwork courtesy of Diaz-Infante and
similar violin and cello by Marsh, this work calls to mind
earlier material by Hans Riechel and the Spontaneous Music
Ensemble. The tracks all go together well, each one showcasing a
different example of that talented, intricate instrument-playing that
is at once interesting and entertaining.
The high points here aren't particularly strong, as the recording
is solidly enjoyable throughout, though some particularly inspired
bits stand out. "Third Ceremony (Evening)," for example,
manages to toy with the listener's head in a prolonged near-silence
where mere scuffs of strings and other noises can be heard. The effect
is astounding, leaving the listener both mystified and dazzled.
"Fourth Ceremony (Midnight)," which immediately follows,
brings things back into perspective with an amazing effort by the two,
using sophisticated plucks and rubs of the instruments to build a
magnificent feeling of musical urgency.
Altogether, this split-album sees the duo of Ernesto and Bob
at top form. With unmatchable talent and a zest for complex, yet
sparse, sounds, the two bring an excellent style to this album. A must
for fans of the genre.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
9 tracks; distributed by the
label;
released 2002] |
