13 Monroe St., New York, NY 10002-7351
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Email: dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com
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MARCH BEGINS w/ GREAT DISCS from PETER BROTZMANN, BUCKETHEAD/LASWELL, MALABY/SANCHEZ, WOLFF/POLANSKY, NOW!, TIM BARNES, IVOR CUTLER and more!
Tonight - Friday March 5th- A Downtown Music Gallery sponsored event!!
TISZIJI MUNOZ COSMIC TRIO w/ BOB "RAH-KALAM" MOSES & DON PATE at Tonic - 107 Norfolk St. at 8 & 10pm!! Tisziji is one of the greatest electric jazz guitar players alive and must been seen & heard to be believed!! Folks are still talking about his set last year at the Village Underground w/ Pharoah, Ravi Coltrane & Rashied Ali! Tickets are $15 & you surely don't want to miss it!!!
PETER BROTZMANN/WILD MANS BAND - Darkest River (9th World 27) Featuring three Peters: Brotzmann on tenor sax, taragoto & clarinet, Friis Nielsen on bass, Ole Jorgensen on drums and Pierre Dorge on guitar. Third fabulous blast from the great Wild Mans Band quartet, based in Denmark, except of course, for the Wupertal native, the mighty Peter Brotzmann who is currently on tour in the US, having played just last night (3/4/03) at Tonic with Die Like a Dog and will be doing a historic duo performance with Milford Graves on March 20th at the Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nick's, 288 E. 10th St. & Ave. A.
Danish import CD for $17
NEW FROM TZADIK..
ALVIN CURRAN - Lost Marbles (Tzadik 7197; USA) A pioneer of live electronic music and one of America's most adventurous composers, Alvin Curran has been walking his own eclectic path since the late 1960's. The range and scope of his work is enormous, and unprecedented. Few composers have as many interests, or as much wit. This special compilation takes us on a whirlwind tour of fifteen of his most productive years (1987Ð2002), capturing both live and studio performances from around the world. Featuring a seductive work for chorus and ensemble, an incredible piece for eleven of the world's largest and loudest musical instruments (shiphorns), an electroacoustic tribute to John Cage using the sound of his laughter and the purring of Merce Cunningham's cat and much, much more. This long overdue release will surely confirm Alvin Curran as one of America's most courageous and outrageous musical mavericks. COMPOSER SERIES
CD for $14
GREG WALL - Later Prophets (Tzadik 7186; USA) Saxophonist Greg Wall has been a leading figure in the Jewish Music scene since the late seventies. A veteran of countless bands, he is a founding member of the acclaimed Hasidic New Wave with Frank London, and was one of the first musicians to blend Jewish Music with Jazz. Later Prophets, his newest recording, is one of his best. A dramatic and powerful collection of originals inspired by the story of Ezekiel, whose prophecy resurrecting dry bones after the destruction of the temple contains a great message of hope. Merkabah Mysticism meets Free Jazz in this remarkable new work by one of Jewish Music's most passionate voices. RADICAL JEWISH CULTURE SERIES
CD for $14
TONY MALABY /ANGELICA SANCHEZ/ TOM RAINEY - Alive in Brooklyn (Sarama Records) Tony plays tenor sax, his wife Angelica plays piano and Tom plays drums. Over the past decade, both Angelica and Tony's musical careers have blossomed in a variety of great ways. Both keep immensely busy in a variety of projects, Angelica leading a few different groups as well as playing in Susie Ibarra's latest project and Tony can be heard with Paul Motian, Chris Lightcap and that great quartet with Louie Belogenis. Tom Rainey has also become the drummer of choice for a number of bands with Tim Berne, Mark Helias and many more. This fabulous trio has also been playing for quite a while as well and you can certainly hear it in the way they work together and anticipate each other's moves. 'Alive in Brooklyn' was recorded at Barbes in Brooklyn and features three long pieces. Released in mini-album cardboard cover.
CD for $15
JAMES TENNEY - Postal Pieces [2 CD set] (New World 80612) Performed by The Barton Workshop. This cd contains recordings of the complete set of his 'Postal Pieces', written primarily during a very brief tenure at California Institute of the Arts in the early 1970s. These works, although frequently performed over the years, have not been recorded (with a few exceptions). This recording is a natural and important companion to the recent New World reissue of Tenney's computer and electronic music from the 1960s. Both collections represent complete, highly individualistic and essential bodies of work by a major American artist. The postal pieces, which Tenney called "Scorecards," are a remarkable series of eleven short works printed on postcards. Each card contains a complete if minimally stated work to be performed by instrumentalists. These pieces elucidate to a large degree some of Tenney's bedrock compositional ideas. Each is a kind of meditation on acoustics, form or hyper-attention to a single performance gesture. This set is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of American experimental music.
2 CD set for $28
[note: when we sent the newsletter out via email, we erroneously listed this Tenney item as a asingle CD at single CD price of $15, Anyone who ordered this from the email will be contacted before being charged to see if they still want it]
ERBE/MANN/POLANSKY/REPETTO/WOLFF - Trios (Pogus 21031) Featuring Christian Wolff on piano, bass & percussion, Larry Polansky on electric guitars, Tom Erbe on recording, editing & processing, Chris Mann on texts & voice and Douglas Repetto on computer & electronics. We know of composers Christian Wolff and Larry Polansky from their numerous releases throughout the years, as well as Mr. Wolff's association with John Cage, AMM and Christian Marclay. Chris Mann also worked with Cage, as well as Machines for Making Sense from Australia. Mr.'s Erbe and Repetto, I am unfamiliar with as of now. This release is called 'Trios' since two different improvised trios were recorded on two different dates in January & April of 1998 in New Hampshire and then Tom Erbe manipulated both trios to transform them into these six tracks. Well constructed and quietly weird stuff going on here. Chris Mann's voice blends cartoon characters with an auctioneer dishing out some bizarre philosophical texts. Can't really tell what he is saying much of the time, but he fits well with the spiraling acoustic, electronic and manipulated sounds. Too dense and filled with nervous energy at times to be an Erstwhile release, but just as fascinating. CD for $10
TWO ITEMS CONCERNING THE 'LAZ' [MR. BILL LASWELL]:
CROOKLYN DUB OUTERNATIONAL - Certified Dope Vol 4: Babylon's Burning (Wordsound 48; USA) Nine years ago, a loose collective of rebel souljahs calling themselves the Crooklyn Dub Consortium launched a new movement in sound with the seminal Certified Dope, Volume 1 (WSCD003), a compilation which defined a burgeoning style from the underground dubbed "Illbient" by the press. Once again, one-upping the downtempo dummies, the crooked knights--including Spectre, Scotty Hard, HIM, and Bill Laswell-- return to prove that good music will always outlive the hype. 1/ Ph neutre - Brain Damage and Lab 2/ The Soundless Hum of Prayer - Philosophy Major 3/ Modimo - Zion Train 4/ Twlight Circus Meets WordSound Inna Crooklyn 2003 Style - Twilight Circus 5/ Finite State Machine Dub - Bill Laswell with Sly & Robbie 6/ Boombastic - Roots Control 7/ Disco Lips - HIM 8/ Eyupsultan - King Fader 9/ A Touch of Romance - Prince Charming 10/ Smoke Damage - Scotty Hard 11/ Ladies &Gentlemen.... Always - Teledubgnosis 12/ Pleasure Ruin Dub - Rupture 13/ Al Quaida - Spectre
CD for $12
also available: CROOKLYN DUB OUTERNATIONAL - Certified Dope Vol 4: Babylon's Burning [2 LP set] (Wordsound 48; USA)
2 LP set for $15
SHINE [BUCKETHEAD/BILL LASWELL/SHIN TERAI] - Heaven And Hell (Innerhythmic 16; USA) Bassist Bill Laswell and the deeply strange guitarist Buckethead have been making music of rare craziness and beauty together for more than ten years, both in and out of their avant-funk group Praxis. Working with electronic percussionist and "sound collagist" Shin Terai (who has previously recorded with Laswell under the name Chaos Face), they call themselves Shine on this album, and present a seven-part suite of dub-wise experimentation called Heaven and Hell with contributions from Nicky Skopelitis and Bernie Worrell. Each track is a numbered movement, and the whole thing proceeds and develops with a dark, slow intensity that sometimes (as on "Movement 4") judders along in a thudding, post-rockers style, and at others (as on "Movement 6") lapses into a sort of ambient and stunningly lovely guitar noodling. The separations between the tracks feel largely artificial, though -- you get the feeling that this whole album was made in one sitting, and it's most satisfying when experienced that way as well. Laswell's bass lines are rubbery and gorgeous, as always, and Terai's rhythmic and atmospheric treatments nicely complement the work of the two instrumentalists. Highly recommended. -- Rick Anderson, AMG
CD for $15 this will be available next Tuesday
JAH WOBBLE - Elevator Music Volume 1A (30 Hertz 022) Featuring BJ Cole on pedal steel, Harry Beckett on trumpet and the great Jah Wobble on bass and just about everything else. "My philosophy of life is very simple. I discovered a few years ago that I am the centre of the universe...without me none of this ... (by this, I mean all this) would be possible. Unfortunately being the creative centre of the universe comes with certain responsibilities. Yes even I have to follow divine law. Anyway, now is not the time to go into all that. I do still have hobbies, one of them is making music. 'Elevator Music', to be more specific. I recommend that you listen to this music in this fashion; Simulate the conditions of a typical elevator... invite friends around to your house/room, pretend that you don't know each other. Stand, silently, in close proximity to each other. Try, in a rather self conscious fashion, to avoid eye contact. Attempt to get everybody to cultivate 'coffee breath.' If like me you don't have friends use mannequins, and spray them with home made coffee breath essence. Listen to the music at a level that is always slightly too low. The whole experience should be uncomfortable, disconcerting, mildly irritating, vacuous, and devoid of meaning. Enjoy." -- Jah Wobble.
UK import CD for $15
TIM BARNES/TETUZI AKIYAMA/MASAFUMI EZAKI - Futuro (Quakebasket 019) In early 2003, Akiyama (guitar) and Barnes (percussion) began a tour that took them from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, to New York, North Hampton, and Boston. Along the way, they picked up many friends (Ami Yoshida, Matt Valentine, Sean Meehan, Toshimaru Nakamura) to perform with them as trios. One night in particular, a below freezing evening in Osaka, Akiyama and Barnes were joined by one of the most exciting trumpet players to emerge from Japan in the last 20 years - Masafumi Ezaki. Protected from the frigid world outside, Akiyama, Barnes and Ezaki found themselves surrounded by an amazing collection of Art Deco furniture and Op-Art wall hangings that filled the petite CafŽ Futuro. The trio packed themselves into the smallest corner and began to respond to all the sensations and elements surrounding them. This completely acoustic musical situation gathered its sounds into sparse vertical patterns that continually collapse back into it self. The players seem to travel beyond their own instrument. You rarely hear them play any conventional gestures or tones, as if they were using these instruments to channel some other musical mission.
CD for $14
GLENN KOTCHE - Next CD (Quakebasket 014) 'Next' is the appropriately titled second solo recording by Glenn Kotche, recorded during a brief break with his regular musical companions Wilco and On Fillmore. Similar at the most primary level with it's electro-acoustic/concrete predecessor Introducing, Next is an acoustic attempt at exploring the concept that Kotche refers to as coincidental rhythms -- or rhythms out of the range of contrivance and design. To increase the sound possibilities of these rhythms, Kotche employs a number of homemade mallets, sticks, and drum head preparations. Much like what John Cage's work with Sonatas and Interludes did for the piano, Glenn is attempting to do for the drum. Next creates sounds and textures that break free of the conventional ideas of drum music.
CD for $14
NOWÉNOW! - A Musical Petition Against George W. Bush [various artists] (Passive Aggressive 001) Featuring Elliott Sharp, Jack Wright, Scott Rosenberg, White Out, Loren Connors/Haunted House, Pauline Oliveros, R. Ruzow's (from Gold Sparkle) Subterraneans, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey plus (unknown to me) Lozenge (w/ Kyle Bruckmann), Threat Language, Newpoetic , Boys Suck and even more. There is a thoughtful printed paragraph from Glenn Branca about our current leader and dictator George Bush. From spoken word to free/jazz to folk/protest to noise, everyone supplies a heartfelt response to our current nightmare that Bush has unjustly forced upon us and the rest of the world. I dig the inner drawing of the army of musicians going up against an American tank with a fascist helmet on top and the cover art of George's head on top of crossed bones. Right on!! Loren left us with just a half dozen, soÉ
CD for a mere $10 ( ...while they last)
JEFF ARNAL/DIETRICH EICHMANN - the temperature dropped again (Leo 390) Jeff is a local drums and percussion wiz whose recent trio release (with Seth Misterka and Gordon Beeferman) was reviewed here last week and is one of the best improv trio dates I've heard in recent memory. Turns out that Jeff has studied with Milford Graves up at Bennington and worked with Charles Gayle. Dietrich is from Old Berlin and studied with leading Euro avant/jazz piano great Alex von Schlippenbach , as well as composer Wolfgang Rihm, so he works with both improvising and composing and the combination of the two. The cd consists of three long suites and develops most organically. Dietrich does a fine job of muffling the piano and using it in a most percussive way, as well as strumming the strings inside the piano. Jeff also spins his percussive web, sometimes delicately, sometimes weaving waves, but the duo always works with intricate connections. There is a great section where the drums play this suspenseful ritualistic groove while Dietrich continues to work percussively inside the piano. A strong journey through consistently intriguing waters, which takes its time to unfold.
NEW LEO CD on sale for $13 [back up to $15 April 1st]
JUSTIN MULLENS & THE DELPHIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA - s/t (Fresh Sound New Talent 172) This is a local sixteen piece jazz orchestra consisting of five sax players, four trumpets, three trombones, guitar, bass, drums and a bit of vocals. The leader is trumpeter Justin Mullens, however I am only familiar with two of these players - the highly visible saxist Chris Cheek and bassist Masa Kamaguchi who plays in Ahmed Abdullah's Nam band, just reviewed here last week. Strong energetic playing, solid arrangements and some excellent soloing as well. I really dig the way the horns swirling creating rich, warm harmonies with constantly shifting rhythmic undercurrents supporting the rest of the band. Even when certain players are soloing, Justin keeps things interesting by allowing the rhythm team to balance between two or more currents. When the pace slows down on "The Viking" it is the gorgeous horn harmonies that really glow and show their rich charm. Guitarist Peter Thompson does a fine job by adding just the right amount of spice and understated punctuation. He only takes one solo, yet remains an integral part of the band throughout. What's interesting is that there is nothing "out" or free here, yet it remains a stimulating listen from beginning to the end. For those who need to know, Judith Berkson's vocals are used minimally and fit just right when by adding another rich and colorful hue to the entire sound. The great Fresh Sound label does it again.
CD for $14
THE FOUR BAGS - self/titled (self-produced) The Four Bags are a local quartet featuring Brian Drye on trombone, Ton Aldrich on accordion, Sean Moran on guitar and Mike McGinnis on sax & clarinet. Rather quaint and somewhat charming chamber jazz with no rhythm section to speak of. The guitar is often used as the rhythmic support with the drifting glowing accordion wheezing warmly underneath. Two Beach Boys tunes, "Good Vibrations" and "Here Today", both get especially enchanting arrangements with the clarinet and the guitar taking the place of the theremin. Van Dyke Parks should be smiling. These guys do a fine job of stripping things down to the barest essentials, yet show a lovely, melancholy eloquence. They seem like brethren to the John Hollenbeck/Mat Moran school of subtle, third stream-like jazz/classical blend. Actually I am reminded of the Penguin CafŽ Orchestra who also had the rather regal yet child-like grace. A nice change of pace from the usual darker downtown sounds. This cd is a couple of years old and word from Brian is that their new gem should be out pretty soon.
CD for $12
[KEN FIELD'S] REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE - Year of the Snake (innova 599) Ken Field plays alto sax in the ancient prog band from Boston Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, but this band (RSE) is another thang entirely. This Boston-based sextet sounds and even looks like they come from New Orleans. They is a funky good time unit, just a horn section, bass and two drummers. Completely infectious, they had me dancing around my kitchen, smiling like a fool and forgetting about my woman troubles completely. Half the tunes here are well chosen covers from "Soul Makossa" to "Soul Power" (James Brown) to Sun Ra to John Scofield to my fave Neville Bros./Dead cover "Iko Iko". Acoustic bassist Derek Van Beever and el. bassist Aaron Bellamy are both bad ass motherf**kers. My advice is to hire these funky cats for your next party, put on your dancing shoes and get on down. You couldn't lose with the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble.
CD for $14
JOHN CAGE/JOSHUA PIERCE & AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF MICROTONAL ENSEMBLEA - A Tribute [2 CD set & 50 page booklet] (ants 06/Italy) Impressive and long two cd set with a number of rarities - four first recordings "Quest", "Our Spring Will Come", ""Prelude for Six Instruments [Piano Sextet]" and "Three Early Songs", two of which are found for the first time on cd. A few of these pieces I've never heard of - "Spontaneous Earth" and "In the Name of the Holocaust". The thick booklet is in English and Italian and is filled with a number of fascinating articles. The two long works "Four Walls" and "Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano" seem quite magical for me.
2 CD set Italian import w/ 50 page booklet for $35
ACHIM WOLLSCHEID - Shifts (Ritornell) "The post-industrial sound artist Achim Wollscheid presents this work on the Mille Plateaux sub-label Ritornell, home of the more abstract tangents of the label's roster, with less electronica and more pure experiments in sound. 'Shifts' is a cd capturing one on-air happening that the Frankfurt noise artist made in the ether in the year 2000. With free rein of the airwaves of Radio X, the artist performed a simple process of remixing cds by Olivia Block, Phill Niblock, Dean Roberts, John Hudak, and Gordon Monahan. The music here explores the transformative possibilities of using a CD player shuffle/scan function to make locked grooves, using as little as one second of audio at a time. The results bring to mind Oval, the group that used broken cds as the source of its compositions, and also recalls ambient and systems music where the medium is often more important than the message. Hence, this recording has a sound in keeping with its label's aesthetic: minimal, austere, and free of imagery or information beyond the bare essentials. The recording comes with all the deconstructive rigor expected from '90s recordings by Merzbow, RLW, or Bernhard Gunter. An intriguing release that holds its own in the world of deconstructive sound art, and at the same time beholds a meditative quality that can be hypnotic while still challenging the perception of the listener." - Sylvie Harrison/All Music Guide
Sale CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
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TWO ONGOING SALES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY:
The entire LEO/LEO LAB/LEO GOLDEN YEARS Catalogue Is ON SALE from us through March 31st
Click above see the entire list of 281 titles [Jeez!] on sale!
and our HAT ART/OLOGY/NOW/NOIR Sale
When these 150+ titles are gone, there are no more - and we mean worldwide; several titles have already sold out and there will be no more at regular price afterwards
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Thanks to one of our regular patrons, our attention was brought to the fact that we've ignored stocking the output of the Little Brother label. We managed to get some copies of the below goodies as a result [several of the releases on this small '90s label are already out-of-print, like the John Fahey "The Mill Pond" double 7", so don't expect this stock to last]
- in stock early next week.
TIM BERNE & MICHAEL FORMANEK - Ornery People (Littlebrother 13) Saxophone and bass free-jazz duo action from two of the best improvisers around. Berne has been making records for close to 20 years with the likes of Zorn, Motian, Frisell, Dara, and many others. Formanek plays bass in Berne's Bloodcount group and has several records as leader himself. Though they've played together for years, this is the first recording of Berne and Formanek as a duo, and it's all that any of us could have hoped it would be. [Thanks to R.K.!]
CD for $12
NELS CLINE & THURSTON MOORE - Pillow Wand (Littlebrother 11) After many years of planning, Nels and Thurston's much-talked-about "dream guitars" project is finally here, the first studio collaboration between two of the most innovative guitarists working today. Most pieces feature quiet layered strumming and build slowly to their resolution. Recorded the same day they played live at Rhino Records (the results of which make up the 'In-Store' CD on the Father Yod label), Pillow Wand is the first studio collaboration between two of the most innovative guitarists around. Most pieces feature quiet layered strumming and build slowly to their resolution. Packaged in a fold-over jacket with inner sleeve (like a mini gatefold record). 67 minutes. Recorded 12/30/96 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet.
CD for $12
NELS CLINE TRIO - Sad (Littlebrother 12) Here it is at last, the long-awaited follow-up to 'Chest'. 'Sad' is the fourth Nels Cline Trio album and perhaps the most diverse yet. The disc begins with a three-minute-long guitar drone, followed by a drum solo, then a quiet improv, and a blistering coda. And that's just the first track. "Fluff w/ Fork" and "Little Shaver" are the noisiest the Trio have ever been, while "Texas Telephone Pal" and "Thought Cloud" are perhaps the most abstract. Sad also features two of Nels' best and most fully realized compositions yet, "Arrows" and "Crest in Black". Five long compositions and five short tracks. Alternately beautiful, noisy, abstract and ferocious. Recorded 4/9 & 7/97 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet. Nels Cline: guitar, voice; Bob Mair: bass, guitar; Michael Preussner: drums & organ; Noriko Peet: voice (track 3)
CD for $12
NELS CLINE TRIO - Chest (Littlebrother 06) The first NCT record on little brother, Chest, is an epic record that spans the emotions from menacing to tender to furiously aggro to other worldly. The majority of the album was\recorded almost three years before it was released, as Nels thought it too extreme for his label at the time, Enja. An absolute classic. Recorded 6/93 at Sage & Sound by Geoff Sykes (except Beardism/Call Crouch and Power Ballad for Woodward A recorded 7/11/95 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet). Nels Cline: guitar, Bob Mair: bass & Michael Preussner: drums. When Thurston Moore & myself caught them at the old Knit that year, we were completely knocked out and blown against the back wall!!! - BLG - local Nels Cline fan-addict!
CD for $12
Also available ...
NELS CLINE TRIO - Chest [2 LP set] (Littlebrother) 2xLP is limited to 1000 copies and has a bonus track not on the CD.
2LP set for $15
MORE REISSUES, RESTOCKS AND HISTORIC RECORDINGS:
IVOR CUTLER - Velvet Donkey (Virgin 2037/UK) Ivor Cutler is a rather eccentric British chap who played Buster Bloodvessel in the Beatles's film 'Magical Mystery Tour', sang Edward Lear's wonderful "Dong with the Luminous Nose" on an early record by UK jazz composer Neil Ardley and then sang that bizarre part at the end of each side of Robert Wyatt's masterwork 'Rock Bottom'. Robert Wyatt returned the favor by covering Ivor's "Grass" a few years later, a lament on the power of education that boasts the line, "While we talk, I will hit your head with a nail to make you understand me". Ivor has written a half dozen books of his poetry, short stories, children's books , as well as recording another half dozen + albums, three on Virgin, three on Rough Trade and one on Speak Out. His cd releases have been extremely difficult to find and often disappear quickly. 'Velvet Donkey' was Ivor's second album for Virgin from 1975 and he has the help of Fred Frith playing his viola on a handful of the 31 short tracks. Ivor embodies the ridiculous child-like spirit that is in each of us, that we often lose track of as we become too serious as adults. A purely pataphysical delight.
UK CD for $17
IVOR CUTLER - Jammy Smears (Virgin/UK) Third twisted gem from Ivor's Virgin years. I forgot to bring one home to review, but no doubt as ridiculously cool as the above treasure. We just got a few of these and they will not last very long.
UK CD for $17
IVOR CUTLER - Dandruff (Virgin; UK) 1974 album from the Scottish singer/songwriter/poet, one of the most unique figures on the pop music fringe, features 45 tracks.
UK CD for $17
DANNY GATTON - Danny and The Fat Boys - American Music (NRG) Gatton was a legendary yet under-recognized electric guitar hero that bridged roots-rock and jazz. Many folks called him the greatest guitarist who ever lived and he might actually have been deserving of that title. This 1975 album, reissued from the master tapes, was his first album release, originally came out on a little local label and was hugely collectable throughout the 80's and 90's until this (now out of print!) cd reissue. A bit more straight-forward roots-rock type stuff, to the exclusion of all the other styles he could play in, you can still definitely hear how f**king amazing the guy was. And, in a way, due to the low budget, you're really hearing him unadorned here. His big break came in the mid 90's when Elektra signed him and put out two high profile albums. After being dropped by the label due to poor sales, he shot himself to death within the year. What a world!?! - Steve Feigenbaum
CD for $12
DANNY GATTON - Redneck Jazz (NRG) This 1978 album was his second release. The originals of this, in their red-vinyl pressing, go for $100 and up, but this reissue from the master tapes includes bonus tracks and sounds great. This is a much bigger production than 'Danny and the Fat Boys', but it also does a better job of showcasing his versatility at performing in various styles.
CD for $12
DANNY GATTON - Unfinished Business (NRG) If my memory serves me, this 1989 album was his last before signing with Elektra. Reissued from the master tapes, this now out of print cd might be the best place to get your feet wet with Gatton's playing, as he seamless balances between rock, jazz, rockabilly and beyond here and also because it's instrumental. Your brains will fall out of your skull as you listen to "Homage to Charlie Christian". At least mine did. - Steve Feigenbaum. "The preeminent guitarist of the post-World War II generation."-The Washington Post.
CD for $12
SAM GOPAL - Escalator (Edsel) Long out of print cd reissue of the one and only album by this great psychedelic outfit who featured the leader on tablas and assorted percussion plus dual guitars and bass. This is most famous as the first album where Lemmy (pre-Hawkwind & Motorhead) makes an appearance and he's one of the guitarists! Generally this is a rather heavy psychedelic rock gem, with some great tunes, especially written by Lemmy!
CD for $12
TOMORROW -Tomorrow Featuring Keith West (EMI) Tomorrow were the fairly groovy psychedelic band circa 1967-68 of soon to be Yes member Steve Howe (guitar), Keith West (vocals), Junior (bass) and Twink (drums) with keyboards by their famous producer Mark Wirtz. A pretty great fun slice of psychedelic pop, this excellent reissue is re-mastered and includes tons of photos and interviews, as well as 12 additional bonus tracks. Good value and good fun. Includes their great single - which should have been number one, but wasn't - "My White Bicycle".
CD for $13
THE GAMELAN SON OF LION - New Gamelan/New York (GSOL 001) Strange vibes this way comes. Privately issued cd of strangely beautiful contemporary tunes cut for Gamelan instruments by this legendary out ensemble. Songs titles are "Brighton Beach", "Piece for Peace in the Middle East", "Sixties", "Four Dances for Balinese Angklung", "Kebyar Leyak", "Slendro Clarinet", "Mostly Slendro Passacaglia". Chants and snaky melodies make this disc as mystifying as their two folkways discs but with an occasional swinging feeling reminiscent of late Moondog sides." 1995 release.
CD for $15
THE GAMELAN SON OF LION - Bending the Gending (GSOL 003) Weird stuff by the Gamelan Son of Lion crew. Featuring 11 compositions by as many performers. You'll be as inclined to think of 'Bat Chain Puller' era Beefheart and the strange world of Harry Partch as you would the traditional rhythmic strokes of the Indonesian Gamelan. 2002 release.
CD for $15
A BOX of VARIOUS MODERN & TRADITIONAL CD'S from CHINA IS BROUGHT TO OUR DOOR - AND THEY'RE ALL GREAT!!!
The SILVERWOLF Label From Taiwan is a high-quality recording outlet
ZHENG BING/ZHU XIAO SHENG - Modern Works of Chinese Erhu Concertos [2 CD set] (Silverwolf 1062; Taiwan) Incredible! Five modern concertos for an erhu soloist (Mr. Sheng) and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Beijing composed by Zheng Bing. Immensely well recorded with superb packaging , thick booklet and lush wraparound. The erhu is the most popular bowed two stringed instrument of national music in China. The modern classical music here sounds much like Stravinsky's "Rites of Spring".
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
CHI BU-LAG & WILD HORSE MATOUQIN TROUPE - Wolf Belong to the Mongolian Pasture (Silverwolf 1282; Taiwan) Chi Bu-Lag is a master of the Mongolian two string bowed instrument known as a matouqin, as well as a composer. He leads the Wild Horse Matouqin Troupe which includes twelve primary performers and some 27 basic members, which include strings and a great pianist named Watanabe Jinko. The music is quite melancholy yet often lovely and lyrical. Playful Mongolian folk melodies, transcendent lullabies and enchanting laments. Once again, superb packaging and excellent sound.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
ZHANG RUEI & ENSEMBLE OF CHINA OPERA & DANCE DRAMA THEATRE [2 CD set]- The Moon Reflected in Er-Quan (Silverwolf 1202; Taiwan) Mr. Ruei is the leading master of the erhu and was 74 when these wonderful recordings were made. The solo erhu pieces are quite lovely, haunting folk melodies elegantly performed. The ensemble songs are equally enchanting, often evoking a variety of natural settings from ancient suffering to being lost in the woods. Superb packaging, presentation and sound.
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
THE CHINESE FLUTE SUB-SERIES/1991-2001 - The Best Collection of Ten Years (Silverwolf 0001; Taiwan) This compilation features twelve traditional songs performed by ten of China's top musicians. Featuring a wide variety of flutes - the xiao, guanzi, hulusi, sheng, suona, bawu, xun and the di. The impressive booklet shows which flute is which and has short articles on each performer. More delicate, pure and enchanting eastern folk melodies and perfect production.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
also available in this series...
PENG XIU-WEN/CHINESE BROADCAST TRADITIONAL ORCHESTRA - Moon Rising In The Rosy Clouds (Silverwolf 2061; Taiwan) This is the best edition of memorial albums to Mr. Peng Xiu-Wen [1931-1996], the 'Generator of Chinese National Symphony' who conducted the first Chines National Orchestra in 1953.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
CHUNG FU-CHUAN/CHINESE CLASSICAL TROUPE OF BEIJING -Remembering Life Of The Emperor (Silverwolf 2071; Taiwan)
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
ZENG ZHAO-BIN - Fishing In The Spring Tides (Silverwolf 1311; Taiwan) Di [bangdi, a chinese wooden flute] soloist Ms. Zhao-Bin with the Beijing Broadcasting Ensemble of National Music.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LIU WEN-JIN/KAOHSIUNG CITY CHINESE ORCHESTRA - Theme Of The Great Wall (Silverwolf 2081; Taiwan)
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
CHI BU-LAG/BEIJING BROADCAST ENSEMBLE OF NATIONAL MUSIC - Thousands of Horse are Galloping (Silverwolf 1281; Taiwan) soloist Bu-Lag, master of the Mogolian Matouqin [Morinxuur], a chines e two-string cello, leads the orchestra.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
JIAN GUANG-I/ENSEMBLE OF NATIONAL MUSIC IN CHINA CONSERVATORY - New Melody for The Herdsman (Silverwolf 1152; Taiwan) Mr Guang-I is the most famous master of the Di [bangdi, a chinese wooden flute]
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LI CHEN/ENSEMBLE OF THE SHENSI SONGS & DANCES THEATRE - Working Out Of The Western Pass (Silverwolf 1302; Taiwan) soloist Mr Chen is a master of the ba-wu, the xun, and the di.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LIN SHI-CHENG/YU LIN - Famous Chinese Pipa Music: An Overall Ambush/Flourishing Spring Moon-Nights Along Riversides [2 CD set] (Silverwolf 1133; Taiwan) one disc each for pipa masters Shi-Cheng and Lin, each with ensemble
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
THE DMG RECOMMENDED CALENDER OF NYC GIGS FOR MARCH 5th - 12t, 2003:
Friday March 5th-
A Downtown Music Gallery sponsored event!! TISZIJI MUNOZ COSMIC TRIO w/ BOB "RAH-KALAM" MOSES & DON PATE at Tonic - 107 Norfolk St. at 8 & 10pm!! Tisziji is one of the greatest electric jazz guitar players alive and must been seen & heard to be believed!!
Saturday March 6th-
JOE MCPHEE'S TRIO X w/ DOMINIC DUVAL & JAY ROSEN at 8pm Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nicholas Church - 10th St. & Ave.always amazing!
JOSEPH JARMAN & KEN YAMAZAKI at 10pm the Vision Club Series - looks great!
VIJAY IYER QUARTET at Sweet Rhythms - 88 7th Ave. South - always a burnin' piano/sax qt.
Sunday March 7th-
LANDSCAPE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - CD player ensemble, conducted by John McDonough from Brilliant Coroners - here at DMG at 7pm for free!
SAM FURNACE MEMORIAL at 7pm at St. Peter's Church 619 Lexington Ave., 70 musicians pay tribute to our fallen sax hero, who recently passed
DEE POP'S SUNDAY FREE-STYLE SERIES at CB's Lounge, $10 for the whole night!, starts at 7PM - fool's gold: kyoko kitamura, khabu, shane endsley, derek layes, bruce williamson
8PM - Allen Won-sax and flute, John Ehlis - guitar, Todd Isler - percussion
9PM - kali fasteau, dee pop, hilliard greene
10PM - steve swell, jay rosen, francois grillot
Monday March 8th-
LEOPANAR WHITLARGE at Harvestworks - 596 Broadway, Suite 602 at 7pm for free - "Ships of Light" & "Triple Stars" w/ Raphael McAden & Tyrone Mitchell!
Tuesday March 9th-
SCOTT AMENDOLA/JENNY SCHEINMAN/GREG COHEN at Tonic at 8 & 9:30 - Scott is a creative & diverse drummer & composer who has worked w/ Nels Cline & many others. Jenny plays violin & Greg plays contrabass (in Masada) - both are giants!
Wednesday March 10th-
TREVOR DUNN & SHELLEY BURGIN at Tonic at 8pm - new contrabass & acoustic harp duo played wonderfully at DMG last week, so check them out!
Laura Biaggi, Neel Murgai, Erika Latatos & Raul Rothblatt at 10pm at Tonic- Throaty vocals over a rhythmic bed of cello/daf/sitar: Biagi, one of the leading experts on southern Italian folk songs teams up with Rothblatt, explorer of muscular Hungarian cello and joined by Rom (Gypsy) singer Lakatos and the ubiquitous Murgai (Haunted House) on daf & sitar.
Thursday March 11th-
IANNIS XENAKIS PERCUSSION SPECTACULAR at Miller Theatre - 2960 Broadway at 8pm - performed by So Percussion Ensemble!!
Tonight - Friday March 5th- A Downtown Music Gallery sponsored event!!
TISZIJI MUNOZ COSMIC TRIO w/ BOB "RAH-KALAM" MOSES & DON PATE at Tonic - 107 Norfolk St. at 8 & 10pm!! Tisziji is one of the greatest electric jazz guitar players alive and must been seen & heard to be believed!! Folks are still talking about his set last year at the Village Underground w/ Pharoah, Ravi Coltrane & Rashied Ali! Tickets are $15 & you surely don't want to miss it!!!
PETER BROTZMANN/WILD MANS BAND - Darkest River (9th World 27) Featuring three Peters: Brotzmann on tenor sax, taragoto & clarinet, Friis Nielsen on bass, Ole Jorgensen on drums and Pierre Dorge on guitar. Third fabulous blast from the great Wild Mans Band quartet, based in Denmark, except of course, for the Wupertal native, the mighty Peter Brotzmann who is currently on tour in the US, having played just last night (3/4/03) at Tonic with Die Like a Dog and will be doing a historic duo performance with Milford Graves on March 20th at the Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nick's, 288 E. 10th St. & Ave. A.
Danish import CD for $17
NEW FROM TZADIK..
ALVIN CURRAN - Lost Marbles (Tzadik 7197; USA) A pioneer of live electronic music and one of America's most adventurous composers, Alvin Curran has been walking his own eclectic path since the late 1960's. The range and scope of his work is enormous, and unprecedented. Few composers have as many interests, or as much wit. This special compilation takes us on a whirlwind tour of fifteen of his most productive years (1987Ð2002), capturing both live and studio performances from around the world. Featuring a seductive work for chorus and ensemble, an incredible piece for eleven of the world's largest and loudest musical instruments (shiphorns), an electroacoustic tribute to John Cage using the sound of his laughter and the purring of Merce Cunningham's cat and much, much more. This long overdue release will surely confirm Alvin Curran as one of America's most courageous and outrageous musical mavericks. COMPOSER SERIES
CD for $14
GREG WALL - Later Prophets (Tzadik 7186; USA) Saxophonist Greg Wall has been a leading figure in the Jewish Music scene since the late seventies. A veteran of countless bands, he is a founding member of the acclaimed Hasidic New Wave with Frank London, and was one of the first musicians to blend Jewish Music with Jazz. Later Prophets, his newest recording, is one of his best. A dramatic and powerful collection of originals inspired by the story of Ezekiel, whose prophecy resurrecting dry bones after the destruction of the temple contains a great message of hope. Merkabah Mysticism meets Free Jazz in this remarkable new work by one of Jewish Music's most passionate voices. RADICAL JEWISH CULTURE SERIES
CD for $14
TONY MALABY /ANGELICA SANCHEZ/ TOM RAINEY - Alive in Brooklyn (Sarama Records) Tony plays tenor sax, his wife Angelica plays piano and Tom plays drums. Over the past decade, both Angelica and Tony's musical careers have blossomed in a variety of great ways. Both keep immensely busy in a variety of projects, Angelica leading a few different groups as well as playing in Susie Ibarra's latest project and Tony can be heard with Paul Motian, Chris Lightcap and that great quartet with Louie Belogenis. Tom Rainey has also become the drummer of choice for a number of bands with Tim Berne, Mark Helias and many more. This fabulous trio has also been playing for quite a while as well and you can certainly hear it in the way they work together and anticipate each other's moves. 'Alive in Brooklyn' was recorded at Barbes in Brooklyn and features three long pieces. Released in mini-album cardboard cover.
CD for $15
JAMES TENNEY - Postal Pieces [2 CD set] (New World 80612) Performed by The Barton Workshop. This cd contains recordings of the complete set of his 'Postal Pieces', written primarily during a very brief tenure at California Institute of the Arts in the early 1970s. These works, although frequently performed over the years, have not been recorded (with a few exceptions). This recording is a natural and important companion to the recent New World reissue of Tenney's computer and electronic music from the 1960s. Both collections represent complete, highly individualistic and essential bodies of work by a major American artist. The postal pieces, which Tenney called "Scorecards," are a remarkable series of eleven short works printed on postcards. Each card contains a complete if minimally stated work to be performed by instrumentalists. These pieces elucidate to a large degree some of Tenney's bedrock compositional ideas. Each is a kind of meditation on acoustics, form or hyper-attention to a single performance gesture. This set is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of American experimental music.
2 CD set for $28
[note: when we sent the newsletter out via email, we erroneously listed this Tenney item as a asingle CD at single CD price of $15, Anyone who ordered this from the email will be contacted before being charged to see if they still want it]
ERBE/MANN/POLANSKY/REPETTO/WOLFF - Trios (Pogus 21031) Featuring Christian Wolff on piano, bass & percussion, Larry Polansky on electric guitars, Tom Erbe on recording, editing & processing, Chris Mann on texts & voice and Douglas Repetto on computer & electronics. We know of composers Christian Wolff and Larry Polansky from their numerous releases throughout the years, as well as Mr. Wolff's association with John Cage, AMM and Christian Marclay. Chris Mann also worked with Cage, as well as Machines for Making Sense from Australia. Mr.'s Erbe and Repetto, I am unfamiliar with as of now. This release is called 'Trios' since two different improvised trios were recorded on two different dates in January & April of 1998 in New Hampshire and then Tom Erbe manipulated both trios to transform them into these six tracks. Well constructed and quietly weird stuff going on here. Chris Mann's voice blends cartoon characters with an auctioneer dishing out some bizarre philosophical texts. Can't really tell what he is saying much of the time, but he fits well with the spiraling acoustic, electronic and manipulated sounds. Too dense and filled with nervous energy at times to be an Erstwhile release, but just as fascinating. CD for $10
TWO ITEMS CONCERNING THE 'LAZ' [MR. BILL LASWELL]:
CROOKLYN DUB OUTERNATIONAL - Certified Dope Vol 4: Babylon's Burning (Wordsound 48; USA) Nine years ago, a loose collective of rebel souljahs calling themselves the Crooklyn Dub Consortium launched a new movement in sound with the seminal Certified Dope, Volume 1 (WSCD003), a compilation which defined a burgeoning style from the underground dubbed "Illbient" by the press. Once again, one-upping the downtempo dummies, the crooked knights--including Spectre, Scotty Hard, HIM, and Bill Laswell-- return to prove that good music will always outlive the hype. 1/ Ph neutre - Brain Damage and Lab 2/ The Soundless Hum of Prayer - Philosophy Major 3/ Modimo - Zion Train 4/ Twlight Circus Meets WordSound Inna Crooklyn 2003 Style - Twilight Circus 5/ Finite State Machine Dub - Bill Laswell with Sly & Robbie 6/ Boombastic - Roots Control 7/ Disco Lips - HIM 8/ Eyupsultan - King Fader 9/ A Touch of Romance - Prince Charming 10/ Smoke Damage - Scotty Hard 11/ Ladies &Gentlemen.... Always - Teledubgnosis 12/ Pleasure Ruin Dub - Rupture 13/ Al Quaida - Spectre
CD for $12
also available: CROOKLYN DUB OUTERNATIONAL - Certified Dope Vol 4: Babylon's Burning [2 LP set] (Wordsound 48; USA)
2 LP set for $15
SHINE [BUCKETHEAD/BILL LASWELL/SHIN TERAI] - Heaven And Hell (Innerhythmic 16; USA) Bassist Bill Laswell and the deeply strange guitarist Buckethead have been making music of rare craziness and beauty together for more than ten years, both in and out of their avant-funk group Praxis. Working with electronic percussionist and "sound collagist" Shin Terai (who has previously recorded with Laswell under the name Chaos Face), they call themselves Shine on this album, and present a seven-part suite of dub-wise experimentation called Heaven and Hell with contributions from Nicky Skopelitis and Bernie Worrell. Each track is a numbered movement, and the whole thing proceeds and develops with a dark, slow intensity that sometimes (as on "Movement 4") judders along in a thudding, post-rockers style, and at others (as on "Movement 6") lapses into a sort of ambient and stunningly lovely guitar noodling. The separations between the tracks feel largely artificial, though -- you get the feeling that this whole album was made in one sitting, and it's most satisfying when experienced that way as well. Laswell's bass lines are rubbery and gorgeous, as always, and Terai's rhythmic and atmospheric treatments nicely complement the work of the two instrumentalists. Highly recommended. -- Rick Anderson, AMG
CD for $15 this will be available next Tuesday
JAH WOBBLE - Elevator Music Volume 1A (30 Hertz 022) Featuring BJ Cole on pedal steel, Harry Beckett on trumpet and the great Jah Wobble on bass and just about everything else. "My philosophy of life is very simple. I discovered a few years ago that I am the centre of the universe...without me none of this ... (by this, I mean all this) would be possible. Unfortunately being the creative centre of the universe comes with certain responsibilities. Yes even I have to follow divine law. Anyway, now is not the time to go into all that. I do still have hobbies, one of them is making music. 'Elevator Music', to be more specific. I recommend that you listen to this music in this fashion; Simulate the conditions of a typical elevator... invite friends around to your house/room, pretend that you don't know each other. Stand, silently, in close proximity to each other. Try, in a rather self conscious fashion, to avoid eye contact. Attempt to get everybody to cultivate 'coffee breath.' If like me you don't have friends use mannequins, and spray them with home made coffee breath essence. Listen to the music at a level that is always slightly too low. The whole experience should be uncomfortable, disconcerting, mildly irritating, vacuous, and devoid of meaning. Enjoy." -- Jah Wobble.
UK import CD for $15
TIM BARNES/TETUZI AKIYAMA/MASAFUMI EZAKI - Futuro (Quakebasket 019) In early 2003, Akiyama (guitar) and Barnes (percussion) began a tour that took them from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, to New York, North Hampton, and Boston. Along the way, they picked up many friends (Ami Yoshida, Matt Valentine, Sean Meehan, Toshimaru Nakamura) to perform with them as trios. One night in particular, a below freezing evening in Osaka, Akiyama and Barnes were joined by one of the most exciting trumpet players to emerge from Japan in the last 20 years - Masafumi Ezaki. Protected from the frigid world outside, Akiyama, Barnes and Ezaki found themselves surrounded by an amazing collection of Art Deco furniture and Op-Art wall hangings that filled the petite CafŽ Futuro. The trio packed themselves into the smallest corner and began to respond to all the sensations and elements surrounding them. This completely acoustic musical situation gathered its sounds into sparse vertical patterns that continually collapse back into it self. The players seem to travel beyond their own instrument. You rarely hear them play any conventional gestures or tones, as if they were using these instruments to channel some other musical mission.
CD for $14
GLENN KOTCHE - Next CD (Quakebasket 014) 'Next' is the appropriately titled second solo recording by Glenn Kotche, recorded during a brief break with his regular musical companions Wilco and On Fillmore. Similar at the most primary level with it's electro-acoustic/concrete predecessor Introducing, Next is an acoustic attempt at exploring the concept that Kotche refers to as coincidental rhythms -- or rhythms out of the range of contrivance and design. To increase the sound possibilities of these rhythms, Kotche employs a number of homemade mallets, sticks, and drum head preparations. Much like what John Cage's work with Sonatas and Interludes did for the piano, Glenn is attempting to do for the drum. Next creates sounds and textures that break free of the conventional ideas of drum music.
CD for $14
NOWÉNOW! - A Musical Petition Against George W. Bush [various artists] (Passive Aggressive 001) Featuring Elliott Sharp, Jack Wright, Scott Rosenberg, White Out, Loren Connors/Haunted House, Pauline Oliveros, R. Ruzow's (from Gold Sparkle) Subterraneans, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey plus (unknown to me) Lozenge (w/ Kyle Bruckmann), Threat Language, Newpoetic , Boys Suck and even more. There is a thoughtful printed paragraph from Glenn Branca about our current leader and dictator George Bush. From spoken word to free/jazz to folk/protest to noise, everyone supplies a heartfelt response to our current nightmare that Bush has unjustly forced upon us and the rest of the world. I dig the inner drawing of the army of musicians going up against an American tank with a fascist helmet on top and the cover art of George's head on top of crossed bones. Right on!! Loren left us with just a half dozen, soÉ
CD for a mere $10 ( ...while they last)
JEFF ARNAL/DIETRICH EICHMANN - the temperature dropped again (Leo 390) Jeff is a local drums and percussion wiz whose recent trio release (with Seth Misterka and Gordon Beeferman) was reviewed here last week and is one of the best improv trio dates I've heard in recent memory. Turns out that Jeff has studied with Milford Graves up at Bennington and worked with Charles Gayle. Dietrich is from Old Berlin and studied with leading Euro avant/jazz piano great Alex von Schlippenbach , as well as composer Wolfgang Rihm, so he works with both improvising and composing and the combination of the two. The cd consists of three long suites and develops most organically. Dietrich does a fine job of muffling the piano and using it in a most percussive way, as well as strumming the strings inside the piano. Jeff also spins his percussive web, sometimes delicately, sometimes weaving waves, but the duo always works with intricate connections. There is a great section where the drums play this suspenseful ritualistic groove while Dietrich continues to work percussively inside the piano. A strong journey through consistently intriguing waters, which takes its time to unfold.
NEW LEO CD on sale for $13 [back up to $15 April 1st]
JUSTIN MULLENS & THE DELPHIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA - s/t (Fresh Sound New Talent 172) This is a local sixteen piece jazz orchestra consisting of five sax players, four trumpets, three trombones, guitar, bass, drums and a bit of vocals. The leader is trumpeter Justin Mullens, however I am only familiar with two of these players - the highly visible saxist Chris Cheek and bassist Masa Kamaguchi who plays in Ahmed Abdullah's Nam band, just reviewed here last week. Strong energetic playing, solid arrangements and some excellent soloing as well. I really dig the way the horns swirling creating rich, warm harmonies with constantly shifting rhythmic undercurrents supporting the rest of the band. Even when certain players are soloing, Justin keeps things interesting by allowing the rhythm team to balance between two or more currents. When the pace slows down on "The Viking" it is the gorgeous horn harmonies that really glow and show their rich charm. Guitarist Peter Thompson does a fine job by adding just the right amount of spice and understated punctuation. He only takes one solo, yet remains an integral part of the band throughout. What's interesting is that there is nothing "out" or free here, yet it remains a stimulating listen from beginning to the end. For those who need to know, Judith Berkson's vocals are used minimally and fit just right when by adding another rich and colorful hue to the entire sound. The great Fresh Sound label does it again.
CD for $14
THE FOUR BAGS - self/titled (self-produced) The Four Bags are a local quartet featuring Brian Drye on trombone, Ton Aldrich on accordion, Sean Moran on guitar and Mike McGinnis on sax & clarinet. Rather quaint and somewhat charming chamber jazz with no rhythm section to speak of. The guitar is often used as the rhythmic support with the drifting glowing accordion wheezing warmly underneath. Two Beach Boys tunes, "Good Vibrations" and "Here Today", both get especially enchanting arrangements with the clarinet and the guitar taking the place of the theremin. Van Dyke Parks should be smiling. These guys do a fine job of stripping things down to the barest essentials, yet show a lovely, melancholy eloquence. They seem like brethren to the John Hollenbeck/Mat Moran school of subtle, third stream-like jazz/classical blend. Actually I am reminded of the Penguin CafŽ Orchestra who also had the rather regal yet child-like grace. A nice change of pace from the usual darker downtown sounds. This cd is a couple of years old and word from Brian is that their new gem should be out pretty soon.
CD for $12
[KEN FIELD'S] REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE - Year of the Snake (innova 599) Ken Field plays alto sax in the ancient prog band from Boston Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, but this band (RSE) is another thang entirely. This Boston-based sextet sounds and even looks like they come from New Orleans. They is a funky good time unit, just a horn section, bass and two drummers. Completely infectious, they had me dancing around my kitchen, smiling like a fool and forgetting about my woman troubles completely. Half the tunes here are well chosen covers from "Soul Makossa" to "Soul Power" (James Brown) to Sun Ra to John Scofield to my fave Neville Bros./Dead cover "Iko Iko". Acoustic bassist Derek Van Beever and el. bassist Aaron Bellamy are both bad ass motherf**kers. My advice is to hire these funky cats for your next party, put on your dancing shoes and get on down. You couldn't lose with the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble.
CD for $14
JOHN CAGE/JOSHUA PIERCE & AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF MICROTONAL ENSEMBLEA - A Tribute [2 CD set & 50 page booklet] (ants 06/Italy) Impressive and long two cd set with a number of rarities - four first recordings "Quest", "Our Spring Will Come", ""Prelude for Six Instruments [Piano Sextet]" and "Three Early Songs", two of which are found for the first time on cd. A few of these pieces I've never heard of - "Spontaneous Earth" and "In the Name of the Holocaust". The thick booklet is in English and Italian and is filled with a number of fascinating articles. The two long works "Four Walls" and "Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano" seem quite magical for me.
2 CD set Italian import w/ 50 page booklet for $35
ACHIM WOLLSCHEID - Shifts (Ritornell) "The post-industrial sound artist Achim Wollscheid presents this work on the Mille Plateaux sub-label Ritornell, home of the more abstract tangents of the label's roster, with less electronica and more pure experiments in sound. 'Shifts' is a cd capturing one on-air happening that the Frankfurt noise artist made in the ether in the year 2000. With free rein of the airwaves of Radio X, the artist performed a simple process of remixing cds by Olivia Block, Phill Niblock, Dean Roberts, John Hudak, and Gordon Monahan. The music here explores the transformative possibilities of using a CD player shuffle/scan function to make locked grooves, using as little as one second of audio at a time. The results bring to mind Oval, the group that used broken cds as the source of its compositions, and also recalls ambient and systems music where the medium is often more important than the message. Hence, this recording has a sound in keeping with its label's aesthetic: minimal, austere, and free of imagery or information beyond the bare essentials. The recording comes with all the deconstructive rigor expected from '90s recordings by Merzbow, RLW, or Bernhard Gunter. An intriguing release that holds its own in the world of deconstructive sound art, and at the same time beholds a meditative quality that can be hypnotic while still challenging the perception of the listener." - Sylvie Harrison/All Music Guide
Sale CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
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TWO ONGOING SALES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY:
The entire LEO/LEO LAB/LEO GOLDEN YEARS Catalogue Is ON SALE from us through March 31st
Click above see the entire list of 281 titles [Jeez!] on sale!
and our HAT ART/OLOGY/NOW/NOIR Sale
When these 150+ titles are gone, there are no more - and we mean worldwide; several titles have already sold out and there will be no more at regular price afterwards
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Thanks to one of our regular patrons, our attention was brought to the fact that we've ignored stocking the output of the Little Brother label. We managed to get some copies of the below goodies as a result [several of the releases on this small '90s label are already out-of-print, like the John Fahey "The Mill Pond" double 7", so don't expect this stock to last]
- in stock early next week.
TIM BERNE & MICHAEL FORMANEK - Ornery People (Littlebrother 13) Saxophone and bass free-jazz duo action from two of the best improvisers around. Berne has been making records for close to 20 years with the likes of Zorn, Motian, Frisell, Dara, and many others. Formanek plays bass in Berne's Bloodcount group and has several records as leader himself. Though they've played together for years, this is the first recording of Berne and Formanek as a duo, and it's all that any of us could have hoped it would be. [Thanks to R.K.!]
CD for $12
NELS CLINE & THURSTON MOORE - Pillow Wand (Littlebrother 11) After many years of planning, Nels and Thurston's much-talked-about "dream guitars" project is finally here, the first studio collaboration between two of the most innovative guitarists working today. Most pieces feature quiet layered strumming and build slowly to their resolution. Recorded the same day they played live at Rhino Records (the results of which make up the 'In-Store' CD on the Father Yod label), Pillow Wand is the first studio collaboration between two of the most innovative guitarists around. Most pieces feature quiet layered strumming and build slowly to their resolution. Packaged in a fold-over jacket with inner sleeve (like a mini gatefold record). 67 minutes. Recorded 12/30/96 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet.
CD for $12
NELS CLINE TRIO - Sad (Littlebrother 12) Here it is at last, the long-awaited follow-up to 'Chest'. 'Sad' is the fourth Nels Cline Trio album and perhaps the most diverse yet. The disc begins with a three-minute-long guitar drone, followed by a drum solo, then a quiet improv, and a blistering coda. And that's just the first track. "Fluff w/ Fork" and "Little Shaver" are the noisiest the Trio have ever been, while "Texas Telephone Pal" and "Thought Cloud" are perhaps the most abstract. Sad also features two of Nels' best and most fully realized compositions yet, "Arrows" and "Crest in Black". Five long compositions and five short tracks. Alternately beautiful, noisy, abstract and ferocious. Recorded 4/9 & 7/97 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet. Nels Cline: guitar, voice; Bob Mair: bass, guitar; Michael Preussner: drums & organ; Noriko Peet: voice (track 3)
CD for $12
NELS CLINE TRIO - Chest (Littlebrother 06) The first NCT record on little brother, Chest, is an epic record that spans the emotions from menacing to tender to furiously aggro to other worldly. The majority of the album was\recorded almost three years before it was released, as Nels thought it too extreme for his label at the time, Enja. An absolute classic. Recorded 6/93 at Sage & Sound by Geoff Sykes (except Beardism/Call Crouch and Power Ballad for Woodward A recorded 7/11/95 at New Zone Studio by Wayne Peet). Nels Cline: guitar, Bob Mair: bass & Michael Preussner: drums. When Thurston Moore & myself caught them at the old Knit that year, we were completely knocked out and blown against the back wall!!! - BLG - local Nels Cline fan-addict!
CD for $12
Also available ...
NELS CLINE TRIO - Chest [2 LP set] (Littlebrother) 2xLP is limited to 1000 copies and has a bonus track not on the CD.
2LP set for $15
MORE REISSUES, RESTOCKS AND HISTORIC RECORDINGS:
IVOR CUTLER - Velvet Donkey (Virgin 2037/UK) Ivor Cutler is a rather eccentric British chap who played Buster Bloodvessel in the Beatles's film 'Magical Mystery Tour', sang Edward Lear's wonderful "Dong with the Luminous Nose" on an early record by UK jazz composer Neil Ardley and then sang that bizarre part at the end of each side of Robert Wyatt's masterwork 'Rock Bottom'. Robert Wyatt returned the favor by covering Ivor's "Grass" a few years later, a lament on the power of education that boasts the line, "While we talk, I will hit your head with a nail to make you understand me". Ivor has written a half dozen books of his poetry, short stories, children's books , as well as recording another half dozen + albums, three on Virgin, three on Rough Trade and one on Speak Out. His cd releases have been extremely difficult to find and often disappear quickly. 'Velvet Donkey' was Ivor's second album for Virgin from 1975 and he has the help of Fred Frith playing his viola on a handful of the 31 short tracks. Ivor embodies the ridiculous child-like spirit that is in each of us, that we often lose track of as we become too serious as adults. A purely pataphysical delight.
UK CD for $17
IVOR CUTLER - Jammy Smears (Virgin/UK) Third twisted gem from Ivor's Virgin years. I forgot to bring one home to review, but no doubt as ridiculously cool as the above treasure. We just got a few of these and they will not last very long.
UK CD for $17
IVOR CUTLER - Dandruff (Virgin; UK) 1974 album from the Scottish singer/songwriter/poet, one of the most unique figures on the pop music fringe, features 45 tracks.
UK CD for $17
DANNY GATTON - Danny and The Fat Boys - American Music (NRG) Gatton was a legendary yet under-recognized electric guitar hero that bridged roots-rock and jazz. Many folks called him the greatest guitarist who ever lived and he might actually have been deserving of that title. This 1975 album, reissued from the master tapes, was his first album release, originally came out on a little local label and was hugely collectable throughout the 80's and 90's until this (now out of print!) cd reissue. A bit more straight-forward roots-rock type stuff, to the exclusion of all the other styles he could play in, you can still definitely hear how f**king amazing the guy was. And, in a way, due to the low budget, you're really hearing him unadorned here. His big break came in the mid 90's when Elektra signed him and put out two high profile albums. After being dropped by the label due to poor sales, he shot himself to death within the year. What a world!?! - Steve Feigenbaum
CD for $12
DANNY GATTON - Redneck Jazz (NRG) This 1978 album was his second release. The originals of this, in their red-vinyl pressing, go for $100 and up, but this reissue from the master tapes includes bonus tracks and sounds great. This is a much bigger production than 'Danny and the Fat Boys', but it also does a better job of showcasing his versatility at performing in various styles.
CD for $12
DANNY GATTON - Unfinished Business (NRG) If my memory serves me, this 1989 album was his last before signing with Elektra. Reissued from the master tapes, this now out of print cd might be the best place to get your feet wet with Gatton's playing, as he seamless balances between rock, jazz, rockabilly and beyond here and also because it's instrumental. Your brains will fall out of your skull as you listen to "Homage to Charlie Christian". At least mine did. - Steve Feigenbaum. "The preeminent guitarist of the post-World War II generation."-The Washington Post.
CD for $12
SAM GOPAL - Escalator (Edsel) Long out of print cd reissue of the one and only album by this great psychedelic outfit who featured the leader on tablas and assorted percussion plus dual guitars and bass. This is most famous as the first album where Lemmy (pre-Hawkwind & Motorhead) makes an appearance and he's one of the guitarists! Generally this is a rather heavy psychedelic rock gem, with some great tunes, especially written by Lemmy!
CD for $12
TOMORROW -Tomorrow Featuring Keith West (EMI) Tomorrow were the fairly groovy psychedelic band circa 1967-68 of soon to be Yes member Steve Howe (guitar), Keith West (vocals), Junior (bass) and Twink (drums) with keyboards by their famous producer Mark Wirtz. A pretty great fun slice of psychedelic pop, this excellent reissue is re-mastered and includes tons of photos and interviews, as well as 12 additional bonus tracks. Good value and good fun. Includes their great single - which should have been number one, but wasn't - "My White Bicycle".
CD for $13
THE GAMELAN SON OF LION - New Gamelan/New York (GSOL 001) Strange vibes this way comes. Privately issued cd of strangely beautiful contemporary tunes cut for Gamelan instruments by this legendary out ensemble. Songs titles are "Brighton Beach", "Piece for Peace in the Middle East", "Sixties", "Four Dances for Balinese Angklung", "Kebyar Leyak", "Slendro Clarinet", "Mostly Slendro Passacaglia". Chants and snaky melodies make this disc as mystifying as their two folkways discs but with an occasional swinging feeling reminiscent of late Moondog sides." 1995 release.
CD for $15
THE GAMELAN SON OF LION - Bending the Gending (GSOL 003) Weird stuff by the Gamelan Son of Lion crew. Featuring 11 compositions by as many performers. You'll be as inclined to think of 'Bat Chain Puller' era Beefheart and the strange world of Harry Partch as you would the traditional rhythmic strokes of the Indonesian Gamelan. 2002 release.
CD for $15
A BOX of VARIOUS MODERN & TRADITIONAL CD'S from CHINA IS BROUGHT TO OUR DOOR - AND THEY'RE ALL GREAT!!!
The SILVERWOLF Label From Taiwan is a high-quality recording outlet
ZHENG BING/ZHU XIAO SHENG - Modern Works of Chinese Erhu Concertos [2 CD set] (Silverwolf 1062; Taiwan) Incredible! Five modern concertos for an erhu soloist (Mr. Sheng) and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Beijing composed by Zheng Bing. Immensely well recorded with superb packaging , thick booklet and lush wraparound. The erhu is the most popular bowed two stringed instrument of national music in China. The modern classical music here sounds much like Stravinsky's "Rites of Spring".
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
CHI BU-LAG & WILD HORSE MATOUQIN TROUPE - Wolf Belong to the Mongolian Pasture (Silverwolf 1282; Taiwan) Chi Bu-Lag is a master of the Mongolian two string bowed instrument known as a matouqin, as well as a composer. He leads the Wild Horse Matouqin Troupe which includes twelve primary performers and some 27 basic members, which include strings and a great pianist named Watanabe Jinko. The music is quite melancholy yet often lovely and lyrical. Playful Mongolian folk melodies, transcendent lullabies and enchanting laments. Once again, superb packaging and excellent sound.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
ZHANG RUEI & ENSEMBLE OF CHINA OPERA & DANCE DRAMA THEATRE [2 CD set]- The Moon Reflected in Er-Quan (Silverwolf 1202; Taiwan) Mr. Ruei is the leading master of the erhu and was 74 when these wonderful recordings were made. The solo erhu pieces are quite lovely, haunting folk melodies elegantly performed. The ensemble songs are equally enchanting, often evoking a variety of natural settings from ancient suffering to being lost in the woods. Superb packaging, presentation and sound.
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
THE CHINESE FLUTE SUB-SERIES/1991-2001 - The Best Collection of Ten Years (Silverwolf 0001; Taiwan) This compilation features twelve traditional songs performed by ten of China's top musicians. Featuring a wide variety of flutes - the xiao, guanzi, hulusi, sheng, suona, bawu, xun and the di. The impressive booklet shows which flute is which and has short articles on each performer. More delicate, pure and enchanting eastern folk melodies and perfect production.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
also available in this series...
PENG XIU-WEN/CHINESE BROADCAST TRADITIONAL ORCHESTRA - Moon Rising In The Rosy Clouds (Silverwolf 2061; Taiwan) This is the best edition of memorial albums to Mr. Peng Xiu-Wen [1931-1996], the 'Generator of Chinese National Symphony' who conducted the first Chines National Orchestra in 1953.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
CHUNG FU-CHUAN/CHINESE CLASSICAL TROUPE OF BEIJING -Remembering Life Of The Emperor (Silverwolf 2071; Taiwan)
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
ZENG ZHAO-BIN - Fishing In The Spring Tides (Silverwolf 1311; Taiwan) Di [bangdi, a chinese wooden flute] soloist Ms. Zhao-Bin with the Beijing Broadcasting Ensemble of National Music.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LIU WEN-JIN/KAOHSIUNG CITY CHINESE ORCHESTRA - Theme Of The Great Wall (Silverwolf 2081; Taiwan)
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
CHI BU-LAG/BEIJING BROADCAST ENSEMBLE OF NATIONAL MUSIC - Thousands of Horse are Galloping (Silverwolf 1281; Taiwan) soloist Bu-Lag, master of the Mogolian Matouqin [Morinxuur], a chines e two-string cello, leads the orchestra.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
JIAN GUANG-I/ENSEMBLE OF NATIONAL MUSIC IN CHINA CONSERVATORY - New Melody for The Herdsman (Silverwolf 1152; Taiwan) Mr Guang-I is the most famous master of the Di [bangdi, a chinese wooden flute]
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LI CHEN/ENSEMBLE OF THE SHENSI SONGS & DANCES THEATRE - Working Out Of The Western Pass (Silverwolf 1302; Taiwan) soloist Mr Chen is a master of the ba-wu, the xun, and the di.
CD for $10 7 for 6 CD sale
LIN SHI-CHENG/YU LIN - Famous Chinese Pipa Music: An Overall Ambush/Flourishing Spring Moon-Nights Along Riversides [2 CD set] (Silverwolf 1133; Taiwan) one disc each for pipa masters Shi-Cheng and Lin, each with ensemble
2 CD set for $15 7 for 6 CD sale
THE DMG RECOMMENDED CALENDER OF NYC GIGS FOR MARCH 5th - 12t, 2003:
Friday March 5th-
A Downtown Music Gallery sponsored event!! TISZIJI MUNOZ COSMIC TRIO w/ BOB "RAH-KALAM" MOSES & DON PATE at Tonic - 107 Norfolk St. at 8 & 10pm!! Tisziji is one of the greatest electric jazz guitar players alive and must been seen & heard to be believed!!
Saturday March 6th-
JOE MCPHEE'S TRIO X w/ DOMINIC DUVAL & JAY ROSEN at 8pm Vision Club Series downstairs at St. Nicholas Church - 10th St. & Ave.always amazing!
JOSEPH JARMAN & KEN YAMAZAKI at 10pm the Vision Club Series - looks great!
VIJAY IYER QUARTET at Sweet Rhythms - 88 7th Ave. South - always a burnin' piano/sax qt.
Sunday March 7th-
LANDSCAPE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - CD player ensemble, conducted by John McDonough from Brilliant Coroners - here at DMG at 7pm for free!
SAM FURNACE MEMORIAL at 7pm at St. Peter's Church 619 Lexington Ave., 70 musicians pay tribute to our fallen sax hero, who recently passed
DEE POP'S SUNDAY FREE-STYLE SERIES at CB's Lounge, $10 for the whole night!, starts at 7PM - fool's gold: kyoko kitamura, khabu, shane endsley, derek layes, bruce williamson
8PM - Allen Won-sax and flute, John Ehlis - guitar, Todd Isler - percussion
9PM - kali fasteau, dee pop, hilliard greene
10PM - steve swell, jay rosen, francois grillot
Monday March 8th-
LEOPANAR WHITLARGE at Harvestworks - 596 Broadway, Suite 602 at 7pm for free - "Ships of Light" & "Triple Stars" w/ Raphael McAden & Tyrone Mitchell!
Tuesday March 9th-
SCOTT AMENDOLA/JENNY SCHEINMAN/GREG COHEN at Tonic at 8 & 9:30 - Scott is a creative & diverse drummer & composer who has worked w/ Nels Cline & many others. Jenny plays violin & Greg plays contrabass (in Masada) - both are giants!
Wednesday March 10th-
TREVOR DUNN & SHELLEY BURGIN at Tonic at 8pm - new contrabass & acoustic harp duo played wonderfully at DMG last week, so check them out!
Laura Biaggi, Neel Murgai, Erika Latatos & Raul Rothblatt at 10pm at Tonic- Throaty vocals over a rhythmic bed of cello/daf/sitar: Biagi, one of the leading experts on southern Italian folk songs teams up with Rothblatt, explorer of muscular Hungarian cello and joined by Rom (Gypsy) singer Lakatos and the ubiquitous Murgai (Haunted House) on daf & sitar.
Thursday March 11th-
IANNIS XENAKIS PERCUSSION SPECTACULAR at Miller Theatre - 2960 Broadway at 8pm - performed by So Percussion Ensemble!!
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