Newfoundland

AMM - Newfoundland

* originally posted on January 5, 2007

Since its inception in 1966, the cooperative group AMM has been uncompromising in its commitment to freely improvised music. Often, especially early in its existence, this resulted in a harsh, aggressive sound field, one that even the most inquisitive newcomer might have difficulty approaching. By the mid-'80s, perhaps due to the mellowing that comes with age or the addition of pianist John Tilbury, AMM's music took a turn toward the quieter, more contemplative music evidenced on this release. In fact, Newfoundland, in addition to being one of their finest albums, is also one of the easiest entries not only into AMM, but into electro-acoustic improvisation in general. For this live recording, AMM consists of its founding members, Keith Rowe (guitar and electronics) and Eddie Prevost (percussion), in addition to Tilbury. The disc is a single, 77-minute piece in which the group constructs a breathing, evolving sonic space, ranging from the quietest whispers of softly brushed cymbals to raging electronic maelstroms, all sounding unforced and flowing. Tilbury, well known as one of the world's finest interpreters of Morton Feldman, inserts surprisingly melodic fragments into the proceedings, leavening the more severe sounds emanating from Rowe's guitar (which never sounds like a guitar) and Prevost's percussion arsenal. When, late in the piece, Rowe tunes in a radio program, it somehow sounds perfectly appropriate; it is the exact accent needed at that point. While this recording is a must for fans of AMM or freely improvised music in general, it is also one of the best possible introductions to the genre. (Brian Olewnick, All Music Guide)

Tracklisting:

1. Newfoundland {76:46}

(1)

The Crypt

AMM - The Crypt

* originally posted on August 28, 2006

This is the complete session of The Crypt that was recorded on June 12, 1968 at a place called The Crypt on Lancaster Road located in London.

The line up is as follows:
Cornelius Cardew - piano, cello
Lou Gare - saxophone, violin
Christopher Hobbs - percussion
Eddie Prevost - percussion
Keith Rowe - guitar, electronics

Tracklisting:

CD1

1. Like a Cloud Hanging In the Sky {45:23}

CD2

1. Coffin nor Shelf {45:40}

2. Neither Bill nor Axe would Shorten its Existence {18:09}

(1) (2) (3)

AMM in 1966

AMM - AMMMusic 1966

* originally posted on August 19, 2006

The first recording by these pioneers of electro-acoustic improvisation, AMMMusic stands the test of time both as a remarkably prescient session and as an utterly powerful and deep piece of 20th century music. Drummer Eddie Prevost's superb and detailed liner notes document AMM's early history, including the confusion engendered not only in audiences and critics but even in the band members themselves, unsure if they were in a free jazz ensemble, a contemporary classical group, neither, or both. The aphorisms adorning the original LP issue (the disc includes additional portions of the concert) give some indication of what was facing listeners and musicians at the time: 'An AMM performance has no beginning or ending. Sounds outside the performance are distinguished from it only by individual sensibility.' Or: 'Every noise has a note.' Even so, at this early stage in its development, there are more "normal" instrumental sounds with a conceptual basis in either jazz or classical music than there would be later on. Lou Gare's tenor saxophone wrings out occasional avant-garde peals that wouldn't have sounded too out of place in Sun Ra's band of the period, and Prevost's drumming shares some affinities with the energy players of the day. Similarly, Cornelius Cardew's piano and Lawrence Sheaff's cello sometimes refer to this or that modern classical tradition. But the overall sound of the group, even in 1966, was so different, so idiosyncratic, that it's not at all surprising that both new jazz and contemporary classical audiences were baffled, if not horrified. The experimentation in sonic assault, noise, and chance sound (including transistor radios) would, however, reach the rock fringes (as Prevost points out) in the work of '60s bands like Pink Floyd as well as later industrial groups like Test Dept. and the Jesus and Mary Chain. But the palpable thrill of producing such music at the time is unique to AMM. The group's sonic conception in its totality is so enveloping and comprehensive that, once heard, it becomes impossible to hear music the same way again. Recent devotees of electronica, free improv, industrial, and noise bands owe it to themselves to check out their primary source: AMM. (Brian Olewnick, All Music Guide

Tracklisting:

1. Later During a Flaming Riviera Sunset {6:49}

2. Later During a Flaming Riviera Sunset [LP version] {21:06}

3. Ailantus Glandulosa {5:31}

4. In the Realm of Nothing Whatever {13:21}

5. After Rapidly Circling the Plaza {1:03}

6. After rapidly Circling the Plaza [LP version] {23:19}

7. What is There In Uselessness to Cause You Distress? {3:01}

8. silence {0:10}

(1) or (1) (2) or (2) [maybe reposted soon]