OK. I admit it. I'm addicted to the Thirsty Ear Blues Series.
They have taken what I used to think of as electro-acoustic music and given it a new life. The electro portion of the music has been shaded toward electronica. With smatterings of composed sections, ambient quirks, techno and free jazz, the experience is rewarding on many levels (yes, even when my wife gives me 'the look' during the extra-weird parts). The electronic shimmery edge makes recordings like Junk Magic stand out as islands of weirdosity in today's bland musical ocean.
If you're stuck on strict categories, use this one: jazz/electronics. Otherwise, use this: heavy rotation!
Now, for the easy part: lineup. Junk Magic was constructed by pianist/keyboardist/programmer/composer Craig Taborn. He made some fine choices for his side musicians here. Drums by David (The Bad Plus) King, viola madness by Mat Maneri and tenorology by Aaron Stewart (Steve Coleman, Anthony Braxton).
When I listen to more 'out there' forms of music I sometimes wonder what exactly is making it work for me. I admit that I often respond to weirdness for weirdness' sake. Other times it's energy (though I have listened to some so-called "energy music" recordings that have left me flat). What's working here though, is the overall environment...best described as unresolved. That's right. Where lots of music goes about building tension only to find a resolution (and release), Taborn and crew instead create their beauty by the construction of tension.
A few highlights.
The title track begins with a repeated keyboard figure that the viola and sax begin to weave their way around. It's all very pensive and relaxing (well, if you find Philip Glass relaxing). After a fashion a bit of 'morse code percussion' drifts in. I don't know what bit of evil silicon voodoo was used here but it sounds like two ball bearings being clacked together. Ouch. A while later the drums kick in and the tune morphs into what I can only describe as Devo-on-acid-marching-band. This would fit right in on a Tim Burton movie score.
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