December 23, 2007 – More noteworthy recent recordings
Posted by Christian Carey in Alternative, File Under?
Einstürzende Neubauten
Alles Wieder Offen
Self-released
http://www.neubauten.org/
Twenty-seven years since their founding, Einstürzende Neubauten eschews a record label in favor of self-releasing their latest full-length, Alles Wieder Offen. A fine addition to its catalog, one hopes that fans and newcomers alike will find their way to this release.
Playing in an unmistakable style that is equal parts kraut rock and downtown experimentalism, the collective specializes in the employment of homemade instruments. Their creations sound as if Harry Partch was put to work supplying a cyborg marching band. The thematic content tackled in their songs is equally postmodern; vocalist Blixa Bargeld crafts substantive lyrics, rife with allusion and capable of biting wit.
Particularly affecting is the elegantly constructed “Von Wegen,” which transforms several motives throughout, eventually piling them on top of each other in a jubilant polyphonic chorus. “Ich hatte ein Wort” marries a poignant vocal with a motoric, ostinato-laden accompaniment. Despite the seriousness of its lyrics, “Weil Weil Weil” is catchy as all get out – avant-funk driven by clangorous metallic percussion and chanted vocals. The title cut is another instance of weighty subject matter juxtaposed against a stirring chorus hook.
Elsewhere, the group avoids blurring the edges between accessibility and experiment. “Ich Warte” is minimalist-inspired and evocative; Bargeld’s vocals are accompanied by pitched percussion, playing repeated patterns, and savage electronic interruptions; the latter gradually take over the work and guide it to a gale force climax. Alles Wieder Offen is that elusive mix of formidable yet eminently memorable music-making.
Matthew Shipp
Piano Vortex
Thirsty Ear
http://www.thirstyear.com/
Matthew Shipp’s latest for Thirsty Ear Records’ Blue Series is a piano trio outing. Joined by bassist Joe Morris and drummer Whit Dickey, Shipp creates a polystylistic jazz environment that deftly negotiates neotraditional idioms with touches of avant jazz exploration. While Shipp has done some stalwart work integrating electronics into some of his Blue Series recordings, he shines as an acoustic pianist, and compositions such as “Key Swing” and “To Vitalize” demonstrate some of his most elegant playing in a straight ahead vein to date.
Morris continues to impress in his relatively new role as a bass player — most will no doubt be more familiar with his incendiary guitar-playing. He incorporates a zesty dose of extended techniques into his solo turn on the stirring out composition “The New Circumstance.” Dickey is one of the most sensitive accompanists around, making his presence felt without ever overwhelming even the most delicate of Shipp’s playing. Especially memorable are the title composition, for its fine hued textures and piquant harmonies, and the rousing and vivacious “Quivering with Speed.”
Melani Skybell
Just a Chase Away
Self-released
http://www.skybell.com/
Jazz pianist and singer Melani Skybell has a crisp vocal delivery and a stylishly straight ahead approach to the keyboard. On Just a Chase Away, her fourth full length CD, she interprets a mixture of lounge-influenced originals and standards. Skybell’s breezy songs fit well alongside tunes such as “It Could Happen to You” and “I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” creating a pleasing program. Guitarist Sam Walker, saxophonist Pete Brewer, and flugel horn player Steve Browne contribute smoothly rendered solos while bassist Kyp Green and percussionists Roy Snodgrass and Jorge Ginorio provide subtle rhythmic support. Particularly fetching inclusions are the original ballad “The First Time I Saw You” and mid-tempo love song “The Stars in Your Eyes.” Get this lady a recording contract!
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