Herbie Hancock – Mwandishi
Released in 1971 on Warner Bros. Format: LP, white label promo
Herbie Hancock – Mwandishi Read More »
Released in 1971 on Warner Bros. Format: LP, white label promo
Herbie Hancock – Mwandishi Read More »
Released in 1972 on Columbia Records Late 70’s/Early 80’s Reissue Format: LP Recommended Tracks A1 – The Shoes of the Fisherman’s Wife are some Jive Ass Slippers (Bombastic, Dense, Energetic, Complex) B1 – Hobo Ho (Dramatic, Progressive, Energetic) B2 – The Chill of Death (Dramatic, Poetic, Spoken Word)
Charles Mingus – Let My Children Hear Music Read More »
Originally released in 1994 on Thrill Jockey Records 2016 reissue Recorded November 29 thru December 5, 1993
Tortoise – Tortoise Read More »
While more cerebral than emotive, this live set is a frenzied demonstration of what four virtuosic musicians sound like when they give in to the intuitive whims of collective improvisation. Even when playing a composition, this quartet will stretch and mutate the melody into every possible pattern without ever playing it directly. The group interplay is often bombastic and can be overwhelming, but thankfully they vary the dynamics through mellower sections, as well as solo and duo pieces.
Circle – Paris-Concert Read More »
Released in 1971 on Impulse Records Format: LP
Pharoah Sanders – Black Unity Read More »
Released in 1968 on Nessa Records Recorded on August 11th & 25th, 1967 Format: LP
Lester Bowie – Numbers 1&2 Read More »
Compared to the immediate songwriting and lush textures of Helplessness Blues, the progressive folk-rock opus Crack Up feels like an impenetrable wilderness on first listen with its dense, tangled arrangements and complex compositions.
Fleet Foxes – Crack Up Read More »
Released in 1970 on Island Records UK Pressing Format: LP
King Crimson – Lizard Read More »
Released in 2009 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Tortoise – Beacons of Ancestorship Read More »
Released in 2013 on Warp Records Format: LPx2
Oneohtrix Point Never – R+7 Read More »
Halvorson has been developing her own idiosyncratic and multi-dimensional language on guitar for almost two decades now (perhaps most clearly heard on her 2015 solo album, Meltframe). On Code Girl, this language is augmented by a dramatic and powerful quintet, featuring the symbiotic rhythm section of her usual trio Thumbscrew, as well as Ambrose Akinmusire’s expressive trumpet playing and Amirtha Kidambi’s intensely operatic vocals, singing cryptic lyrics penned by Halvorson. Together the band uses complex five-part counterpoint to weave intricate webs of melody, rhythm, and texture through progressive and dynamic structures.
Side note: It’s interesting how the number 5 is so prominent in all the album images (pentagons, fingers, toes, stars, etc)
Mary Halvorson – Code Girl Read More »
“The music in this album is dedicated to creating a better world; a world without war and killing, without racism, without poverty and exploitation; a world where men of all governments realize the vital importance of life and strive to protect it rather than destroy it. We hope to see a new society of enlightenment and wisdom where creative thought becomes the dominant force in all people’s lives” – Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden – Liberation Music Orchestra Read More »