Various topics

Craig Maurice Willingham (craigmw@freenet.scri.fsu.edu)
Tue, 27 Jun 1995 13:48:17 -0400 (EDT)


It's nice to see some interesting activity on this list again. For a
while it seemed to have dipped into fawning over vintage soul/jazz records
and
what not. Belive me I love those records as well, however, it's good to
put past material into perspective in order to appreciate new and
different music.
Now, in regards to topics, asked for oppinions on the most
recent Emporers New Clothes. I think this record is
fantastic. Even though I very enthusiaticaly posted my feelings about
this a few weeks ago I don't mind doing it again because it's that good.
The recording acheives a cohesion between open improv, rock, dub and jazz
that I've yet to see done better in the acid jazz gener. As far as dance
based jazz goes, it's one of my top picks of the year.

Also, after much hesitation I've finnaly purchased the Wagon Christ
"Throbing Pouch" recording. My whole reason for waiting to get it
stemed from several partial listenings an somewhat lack-luster feelings
toward the music. But recently while in Orlando at Badmood I gave it a
good listen at Micheal's request. While sitting their with the headphones
on I had a virtual nodding fit. After skimming through the tracks I felt
confident enough to purchase record. However, my reservations against
buying it have now come back to haunt me. Upon repeated listenings I
find a large portion of "Throbing Pouch" to be what's best discribed
as "clinically" funky. The noise bits and odd structures I love, but when
it comes to low end or any simbalance of a groove (be it in a direct or
abstract sense), I feel it falls short. A few tracks ("PuIl My Strings in
particular) show what further development may bring. But, overall I think
it could be better. Certainly I see the mixing appeal
for dj's, but, for across the board enjoyment I think it lacks in
creative use of all it's parts. I'd be interested to know what others
think.

One more thing, their was a slight discussion on Gino Robair and the
Splatter Trio on this list earlier. They have a new recording available
on San Francisco's Music & Art's record label entitiled "Jump or Die."
the disc also features the Debris collective. It's collection of Anthony
Braxton compositions, which should make the folks who were discussing it
happy seeing as they were speaking enthusatically of him as well.

Regards,

Craig Willingham