REVIEWS [c]

Chicago Underground Trio - Chronicle [Delmark]
Added 16.7.07

Really is beautiful and awe inspiring; traditional jazz instruments subtly and craftily combined with Moog source, computer and electronics recalling the Davis experimental era of the 70's. A powerhouse trio pumping "driving free jazz, electronic scapes, non-idiomatic melody, myriad textures and sound sources, hynotic grooves, pin-drop give-and-take" - (Pete Margasak on sleevenotes). Recorded live July '06 at DankHaus, Chicago's German Cultural Centre. The tracks go like a spiritual journey and are titled 'Initiation; Resistance; Power; Crisis; Transformation and Transcendence and you can relate to these levels, providing a deeper aspect to what is often a very abstract sound style. The powerful dynamics and variety keeps you suprised though, at every corner, so there's no formula or predictability to speak of. It really freaks out during 'Transformation' towards the end and you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a different group but it does maintain this 'incredible journey' feel. Some excellent playing from all especially the drumming of stellar NYC percussionist Chad Taylor on his crashing solo in 'Power'. Rob Mazurek, the prime mover in this outfit is also prolific as a multi-instrumentalist on cornet, computer, moog source, electric celeste, gong, Chinese cymbal, bamboo flute and moogerfooger pedals. The two have been the nucleus of the Chicago underground groups for over a decade and are joined by Jason 'bloody hands' Ajemian. At nearly 74 minutes and a DVD version also available with hi-tech spacey visuals you'd be daft not to check this out, if free, bold techno jazz is your forte, or not.
Check out this clip from the simultaneous DVD release on the esteemed USA jazz label Delmark.

Cheap Machines [Lamina]
Added Jan 07

Cracklings, fuzzes, squeaks gives way to obscure and random electric piano notes. I'm trapped inside a Victorian kids toy in a horror film but I love it...What follows is a wonderful 'drone' album of wavering static and scrape and well manipulated electronics and organic recordings. This album is now available with others for free on Phil's website and comes highly recommended. Since starting to write this review I've brushed up on Mr.Julian's output and discovered he has a large back catalogue, most of which are available for free download including some also on CD via respectable labels.

"One of the UK's premier noise artists. Cheapmachines has been in existence since 1997, acting at the interface between noise electronics, generative software, field recordings, tape music and drones." - Slow Sound System

Cheap Machines is surely an engaging and serious experience on record and thankfully live too. Check out his sites and some of the free audio.The latest one being from Desetxia whose website headlines 'DO WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT WITH THIS FILES'...Homepage