The Squid's Ear Magazine
Unusual Vocal Forms


 
Smith, Wadada Leo: Rosa Parks: Pure Love
Smith, Wadada Leo:
Rosa Parks: Pure Love

(Tum -- Finland )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Inspired by the civil rights movement and the iconic Rosa Parks, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith's album pays tribute through impressive compositional skills that merge work with RedKoral Quartet, Blue Trumpet Quartet, Diamond Voices, and Janus duo, featuring excerpts from Anthony Braxton, Steve McCall, Leroy Jenkins, and words from Martin Luther King Jr and a text by Rosa Parks.

Mello, Laura: Esta Verde!
Mello, Laura:
Esta Verde!

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Using multiple voices, field recordings and electronics, Brazil-born composer living in Berlin Laura Mello works with spoken language as she explores human perception of acoustic phenomena in relation to spoken language, here in 8 compositions or excerpts that reveal hallucinatory and unusual aspects of speech complemented by elusive aural environments.

Schwabe, Wolfgang / Hui-Chun Lin: 180818
Schwabe, Wolfgang / Hui-Chun Lin:
180818

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A unique pairing of strings from Berlin improviser Wolfgang Schwabe performing on the Guqin, or Qin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family, and Hui-Chun Lin on cello and voice, finding common ground in instant compositions of exotic string figures plucked and bowed, with Hui-Chun Lin sometimes adding emotional release in voice.

Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere: Theta Four
Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere:
Theta Four

(Discus -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Declaring Terry Riley, Magma, Krautrock, and Sun Ra as influences, this is the fourth album from wind and keyboard player Martin Archer's Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere, an augmented six-piece UK ensemble whose rock affinities also embrace improvisation and minimalism, a heady mix of virtuosic playing with melodic intention and extremely detailed tapestries of sound; dreamy and elegiac.

Hifiklub: E Lisboa
Hifiklub:
E Lisboa

(Shhpuma -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A collaborative French instrumental rock band led by and with compositions from the core quartet of Anthony Belguise (drums), Jean-Loup Faurat (guitar), Regis Laugier (bass) and Nico Morcillo (guitar), with a list of 22 international guests across 8 songs and instrumentals, including Rafael Toral, Maria Radich, Paulo Furtado, Carlos Zingaro, Rui Carvalho, &c.

Cleric (John Zorn - Masada Book 3): The Book Beri'ah Vol 2 | Chokhma
Cleric (John Zorn - Masada Book 3):
The Book Beri'ah Vol 2 | Chokhma

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

John Zorn's Masada Book Three, "The Book Beri'ah", continues in its second volume with this powerful and demanding album from the Philadelphia avant-metal band of Ludovic Beier on accordion & accordina, Timba Harris on violins, Matt Hollenberg on guitars & Oud, Dan Kennedy on bass, Larry Kwartowitz on drums, and Nick Shellenberger on keyboards & vocals.

Sanson, Gil / Lance Austin Olsen: Works on Paper [2 CDs]
Sanson, Gil / Lance Austin Olsen:
Works on Paper [2 CDs]

(elsewhere -- USA )


Price: $21.95    




In Stock

Two meticulous works in two parts each using layered collage of acoustic instruments, objects, electronics, field recordings, voices, fragments of past compositions and early classical music samples, with A.F. Jones providing voice narration, from Venezuelan composer/artist Gil Sanson and Canadian-based composer/painter Lance Austin Olsen: "Pra Min" and "Meditations".

Blonk, Jaap / Cor Fuhler: Pre-Zoic Cellways
Blonk, Jaap / Cor Fuhler:
Pre-Zoic Cellways

(Kontrans -- The Netherlands )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock
Wassermann, Ute / Jaap Blonk / Michael Vorfeld : Improvisors
Wassermann, Ute / Jaap Blonk / Michael Vorfeld :
Improvisors

(Kontrans -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Blending two of the most unconventional voices on the planet--Ute Wasswerman and Jaap Blonk--with percussionist Michael Vorfeld, also on string instrument, light bulbs and electronic devices, Wasserman adding voice, whistles, kutu wapa, frog buzzer, and mirliton, and Blonk adding electronics; wonderfully eccentric while impressively informed and masterfully executed.

Kaikou (Yoshino / Natsuki Tamura): Kaikou
Kaikou (Yoshino / Natsuki Tamura):
Kaikou

(Oniva -- Japan )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

An intimate and unique collaboration between two far-ranging Japanese performers--Yoshino, also known for her work in Japanese underground rock, here on biwa (a short-necked fretted lute) and voice; and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, Satoko Fujii collaborator and Gato Libre leader--presenting exotic narratives in song using instrumental intervention of ardent improvisation.

Killing Spree (Metzger / Daniel / Galichet): Boko Boko Tour
Killing Spree (Metzger / Daniel / Galichet):
Boko Boko Tour

(Ayler -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A heavy album merging free improvisation, blues and rock forms from the French Killing Spree trio of Matthieu Metzger on alto saxophone & electronics, Sylvain Daniel on electric bass & effects, and Gregoire Galichet on drums, living up to the band name in dark malice captured live at Club Soto in Kyoto, Japan during their 2018 Japanese tour; vengeful.

Kaucic, Zlatko (w/ Evan Parker, Agusti Fernandez, Rafal Mazur, Lotte Anger, Artun Majewski, Phil Min
Kaucic, Zlatko (w/ Evan Parker, Agusti Fernandez, Rafal Mazur, Lotte Anger, Artun Majewski, Phil Minton, Johannes Bauer):
Diversity [5 CD BOX SET]

(Not Two -- Poland )


Price: $64.95    




In Stock

Slovenian percussionist Zlatko Kaucic reinforces the title of his "Diversity" box set over 5 CDs in a variety of solo, duo, trio and quartet setting, including some of the UK & Europe's finest improvisers--Evan Parker, Agusti Fernandez, Lotte Anker, Artur Majewski, Rafal Mazur, Phil Minton, and Johannes Bauer--an excellent example of his wide-ranging work as an improviser.

Biota: Fragment For Balance
Biota:
Fragment For Balance

(Recommended Records -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

From Mnemonist Orchestra to Biota, with 18 albums in total, the Colorado collective Biota presents its 11th album on ReR, taking 4 years to complete this genre-defying album of gorgeous abstraction through free improvisation and composition, absorbing styles and reflecting them in a filtered ray of melody & song using unusual instrumentation and arrangment; absolutely recommended

Ratkje, Maja S.K.: Sult
Ratkje, Maja S.K.:
Sult

(Rune Grammofon -- Norway )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Starting with a pipe organ, adding metal tubes, PVC tubes, a wind machine, guitar strings, a bass string, a resin thread, metal and glass percussion, and a bow, Maja SK Ratjke developed this unusual instrument for a live performance in Jo Stromgren's ballet "Sult" ("Hunger"), taking the instrument to the studio for this extraordinarily interesting album of keys and song.

Saeki, Minami / Wakana Ikeda / Yoko Ikeda / Taku Sugimoto / Stefan Thut / Manfred Werder: Sextet
Saeki, Minami / Wakana Ikeda / Yoko Ikeda / Taku Sugimoto / Stefan Thut / Manfred Werder:
Sextet

(Meenna -- Japan )


Price: $16.95    




Out of Stock

While touring Europe in the autumn of 2017, Minami Saeki (voice), Wakana Ikeda (flute), Yoko Ikeda (viola), and Taku Sugimoto (guitar) visited Switzerland and met up with Swiss musicians Stefan Thut (cello) and Manfred Werder (glockenspiel & typewriter), recording these five minimal improvisations in a recording session at the concert venue Theater Delly.

Ercetin, Turgut (Ensemble Mosaik, Ensemble Apparat, Ensemble Adapter, Sonar Quartett): Panopticon Sp
Ercetin, Turgut (Ensemble Mosaik, Ensemble Apparat, Ensemble Adapter, Sonar Quartett):
Panopticon Specularities

(Edition Rz -- Austria )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Istanbul composer Turgut Ercetin (Daad artists-in-Berlin 2016 award winner) completed his doctorate studies at Stanford University, developing works engaged with issues of sound as sonic entities dealing with time and space, here in a string quartet performed by Arditti Quartet, and a work for voice and live electronics performed by Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgar.

Kraabel, Caroline : Last1 And Last2
Kraabel, Caroline :
Last1 And Last2

(Emanem -- UK )


Price: $16.95    




In Stock

LAST is part of a series by Caroline Kraabel (LIO, Remote Viewers) mixing live improvisation with pre-recorded material provided by Robert Wyatt for this purpose, performed live at Cafe OTO in two versions: first where the 15-piece ensemble has not yet heard the Wyatt interventions, and second where they were familiar with and use his voice to structure what they play.

Kubisch, Christina : Schall und Klang
Kubisch, Christina :
Schall und Klang

(Fragment Factory -- Germany )


Price: $14.95    




Out of Stock

Hermann Scherchen (1891-1966) was a conductor & champion of 20th-century composers; in 1954 he established an electroacoustic experimental studio, with guests including Iannis Xenakis, Luc Ferrari, Edgar Varese and Luigi Nono; here Christina Kubisch provides a remarkable portrait of Scherchen in sound, merging his recordings, recited texts, and recordings from her own research.

Surplus 1980 Collectiv Ensembl With G.W. Sok : Forget All This
Surplus 1980 Collectiv Ensembl With G.W. Sok :
Forget All This

(Music a la Coque -- Italy )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

Surplus 1980 Collectiv Ensembl takes the current members of drummer Moe! Staiano's Surplus 1980 along with associated musicians, including Kyle Bruckmann, John Shiurba, Vicky Grossi, Paul Costuros, &c, with vocals from Dutch vocalist G.W. Sok (The Ex), in an album of avant post-punk rock, sophisticated but determined and pointed music, an unusual hybrid of impressive styles.

Ackley, Bruce / Fred Frith / Henry Kaiser / Aram Shelton: Unexpected Twins
Ackley, Bruce / Fred Frith / Henry Kaiser / Aram Shelton:
Unexpected Twins

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Born out of Eugene Chadbourne's Twins band concepts from the 70s, which included over time saxophonist Bruce Ackley, and guitarists Henry Kaiser, and Fred Frith; fast forward to 2018 as Ackley & Frith return to the concept with Henry Kaiser and saxophonist Aram Shelton to revisit the original approach through pieces by those artists plus Steve Lacy, Eugene Chadbourne, and John Zorn.

Guy's, Barry Blue Shroud Band: Odes and Meditations for Cecil Taylor [5 CD BOX]
Guy's, Barry Blue Shroud Band:
Odes and Meditations for Cecil Taylor [5 CD BOX]

(Not Two -- Poland )


Price: $64.95    




Out of Stock

Barry Guy's Blue Shroud Band is the bassist's ensemble performing in a variety of configurations, capable of executing his sophisticated compositions that pay hommage or reflect larger subjects, here in 5 CDs of performances at Alchemia Club and on Radio Krakow in Poland, approaching the work of late pianist Cecil Taylor through multi-part Odes, Meditations, and even some "Strange Loops".

Ducret, Marc: Lady M
Ducret, Marc:
Lady M

(Illusions -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Taking on one of Shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters, Lady Macbeth, in an 11-piece ensemble that include luminaries Liudas Mockunas, Samuel Blaser, and French guitarist Marc Ducret himself, using operatic form to focus his compositions on the emotional depth of his character, blending composed, improvised and sonic material into an exciting and unsettling work, drawing incredible performances from his players.

Electric Bird Noise: Hearn-Roberts-Strong-Watts
Electric Bird Noise:
Hearn-Roberts-Strong-Watts

(Silber -- USA )


Price: $9.95    




In Stock

Guitarist Electric Bird Noise, aka Brian Lea McKenzie, continues his string of slightly off-center rock albums, primarily instrumental work, this album including a muscular quartet with Jason Hearn on drums, Bradley Wayne Roberts on bass, Steve Strong on drums, plus an Alan Watts narration; 8 dramatic tracks using loops, effects, backward tracking and other aural trickery.

Monopiece / Jaap Blonk (Corde / Robidoux / Russell)
Monopiece / Jaap Blonk (Corde / Robidoux / Russell):
S/T

(Shhpuma -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An absurdly paced and spectacular album of electronic improvisation, percussion and voice, as the West Coast improvising trio Monopiece of Nathan Corder on electronics, Matt Robidoux on guitar, and Timothy Russell on percussion meet legendary improvising vocalist and electronics artist Jaap Blonk, recording at The Center for Contemporary Music, at Mills College.

Kahn, Jason: Songline [VINYL 2 LPs] <i>[Used Item]</i>
Kahn, Jason:
Songline [VINYL 2 LPs] [Used Item]

(Editions -- Switzerland )


Price: $13.55    




In Stock

Swiss improviser Jason Kahn continues his forays into vocal experimentation with this solo album, recorded in the rooms of a former Swisscom telephone relay station in Zurich, recorded in a single take, pushing himself over the edge in these unique vocal compositions that are stark examples of his creative and confrontational skills.

Liederkreis (Judith Berkson): Liederkreis [VINYL] <i>[Used Item]</i>
Liederkreis (Judith Berkson):
Liederkreis [VINYL] [Used Item]

(B. Walter Recordings -- USA )


Price: $14.40    




In Stock

NYC vocalist, composer and keyboardist Judith Berkson in the debut album for her one-woman band Liederkreis (translating to "song-cycle", a reference to Schumann), taking a sharp turn from previous work through experimental synth, voice and effects in unique and often aberrant ways.

Mattin : Songbook #5 [VINYL] <i>[Used Item]</i>
Mattin :
Songbook #5 [VINYL] [Used Item]

(Disembraining Machine -- Australia )


Price: $17.10    




In Stock

Mattin takes 5 spontaneous 5-minute songs from 5 musicians, and a 25 minute concert structured by 5 instructions based on those song titles, then records vocals for the 5 songs as a singing lecture, then superimposes all 3 to create the five 5-minutes songs on this album.

Svendsen, Christian Meaas: New Rituals [3 CDS]
Svendsen, Christian Meaas:
New Rituals [3 CDS]

(Nakama Records -- Norway )


Price: $39.95    




In Stock

Ritual and unveiling of Buddhist philosophy in a 3-CD exploration of the relationship between form and freedom, between modern Western culture and traditional Eastern culture, and between written and open musical material, from composer and bassist Christian Meaas Svendsen presented in 3 parts: (1) ensemble and a chant-choir, (2) ensemble, and (3) solo bass.

Fire! Orchestra: Arrival
Fire! Orchestra:
Arrival

(Rune Grammofon -- Norway )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

Trimmed back to a mere 14 musicians, the Fire! Orchestra core trio of Mats Gustafsson, Johan Berthling, and Andreas Werliin and Orchestra original singers Mariam Wallentin and Sofia Jernberg add a string quartet, expanding their palette as they release their warmest and most embraceable album to date, from original material to covers of Robbie Basho and Chic.

Doneda, Michel / Le Quan Ninh: Thirty Ways To Avoid Talking
Doneda, Michel / Le Quan Ninh:
Thirty Ways To Avoid Talking

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

French free improvising soprano saxophonist Michel Doneda, using profoundly unusual techniques on the reed instrument, meets percussionist Le Quan Ninh, performing on "surrounded bass drum", a large drum affected by various objects across the skin, for 5 dialogs at Montreuil-sous-Bois, France, and then joined by noh theater drummer Shunichiro Hisada in Tokyo's Shushinkan Hall.

Hook, Line & Sinker (Tristan Honsinger / Antonio Borghini / Axel Dorner / Tobias Delius): Fishy Busi
Hook, Line & Sinker (Tristan Honsinger / Antonio Borghini / Axel Dorner / Tobias Delius):
Fishy Business

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

A truly unique album of free improvisation and unusual narrative from the Berlin-based quartet of Tristan Honsinger on cello, Antonio Borghini on double bass, Axel Dorner on trumpet, and Tobias Delius on tenor saxophone, clarinet, a mix of Honsinger compositions and collective improv, since 2010 a working band combining music, movement and theater; masterfully idiosyncratic.

Weeks, James: Windfell
Weeks, James:
Windfell

(Another Timbre -- UK )


Price: $11.50    




Out of Stock

Violinist Mira Benjamin requested British composer James Weeks write a long-duration piece for her, Weeks evoking the image of a violin alone in a remote hill played only by the wind, using an evolving palette of timbral and harmonic material resolving with long sequences of Just Intonation three-part chords, Benjamin also whistling and singing softly.

Beuger, Antoine and colectivo maDam: .. Of Being Numerous
Beuger, Antoine and colectivo maDam:
.. Of Being Numerous

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Antoine Beuger's piece merges compositional and improvised approaches, drawing on the text "the memories of RN", as he performs on flute, voice and objects with the electroacoustic improvising ensemble Colectivo maDam, merging long instrumental phrases with words, syllables or letters, using space and detachment to create numerous possibilities to resonate.

MusicWorks: #96 Fall 2006 with CD
MusicWorks:
#96 Fall 2006 with CD

(Musicworks -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock
Musique Action #4 (Marclay / Jauniaux / Minton / Yoshihide / Parkins / Weston / Vatcher / Luc Ex): M
Musique Action #4 (Marclay / Jauniaux / Minton / Yoshihide / Parkins / Weston / Vatcher / Luc Ex):
Madame Luckerniddle - Tribute to Tom Cora

(Vand'Oeuvre -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The fourth of a collection dedicated to the French Musique Action Festival, here in a tribute to Tom Cora recorded in 1998 with Catherine Jauniaux, Phil Minton, Zeena Parkins, Christian Marclay, Otomo Yoshihide, Veryan Weston, &c. &c.

Eclectic Maybe Band: Reflections In A Moebius Ring Mirror
Eclectic Maybe Band:
Reflections In A Moebius Ring Mirror

(Discus -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The second album of this Guy Segers (Univers Zero) project in an eclectic ensemble of improvisers, rock musicians and experimenters, a genre-defying project of primarily instrumental work with interventions of song, merging acoustic & electric instruments with electronics, live improvisation with studio manipulation, to find new forms of mesmerizing music.

Takase, Aki: Hokusai Piano Solo
Takase, Aki:
Hokusai Piano Solo

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $18.95    




Out of Stock

Under the inspiration of Japanese painter Katsushika Hokusai, Berlin-based improvising pianist Aki Takase recorded these impressive works over two days at the Sendesaal Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, some live during an award ceremony where she was awarded The Berlin Jazz Prize, some in the studio, including a duo with pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach.

Schwarm 13: At Studioboerne45
Schwarm 13:
At Studioboerne45

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Schwarm, or "Swarm", 13 is a German ensemble performing instant compositions, directed by clarinetist Rudi Debrunner and saxophonist Max Stehle, who also provides conceptions for the band, which is comprised of reeds, guitar, violin, viola, cello, piano, percussion, double bass, and voice, presenting (appropriately) 13 improvisations captured live at Studioboerne45.

Monash Art Ensemble (Grabowsky / Neal / Ford / Hannaford Williamson / Evans / Hope): Here Now Hear [
Monash Art Ensemble (Grabowsky / Neal / Ford / Hannaford Williamson / Evans / Hope):
Here Now Hear [2 CDs]

(FMR -- UK )


Price: $19.95    




In Stock

"Here Now Hear" is comprised of nine innovative Australian works commissioned and recorded by the Monash Art Ensemble between 2017 & 2019, featuring an eclectic mix of contemporary cross-genre music by significant Australian composers: Paul Grabowsky, Kate Neal, Andrew Ford, Robert Burke, Cat Hope, Marc Hannaford, Paul Williamson, Johannes Luebbers and Sandy Evans.

Leap of Faith Orchestra: performs The Photon Epoch by PEK
Leap of Faith Orchestra:
performs The Photon Epoch by PEK

(Evil Clown -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

The full Boston-area Leap of Faith Orchestra in its largest configuration performing a Frame Notation Score composed by PEK to guide the improvisation, this work based on the The Photon Epoch, a period in the evolution of the early universe, using a vast assemblage of instruments and devices to create a unique narrative in an energetic and wonderfully unpredictable journey.

Speak Easy (Wassermann / Minton / Lehn / Blume): @ Konfrontationen
Speak Easy (Wassermann / Minton / Lehn / Blume):
@ Konfrontationen

(Confront -- UK )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Since 2009 the UK & European ea-improvising quartet Speak Easy with two remarkable vocalists, Phil Minton and Ute Wasserman (also on birdcall whistles), Thomas Lehn on analog synthesizer and Martin Blume on drums & percussion, have startled and amazed listeners, as heard here in this extended performance at the 2016 Festival Konfrontationen in Nickelsdorf.

Buckner, Thomas / Joelle Leandre / Nicole Mitchell : Flowing Stream
Buckner, Thomas / Joelle Leandre / Nicole Mitchell :
Flowing Stream

(Leo Records -- UK )


Price: $15.45    




Out of Stock

After performing live at New York's Vision Festival in 2012, the trio of Thomas Buckner (voice), Joelle Leandre (bass) and Nicole Mitchell (flute) recorded this studio album of free improvisations in a free-flowing exchange of ideas and adroit improvisation.

Connors, Loren & Suzanne Langille: I Wish I DidnÕt Dream
Connors, Loren & Suzanne Langille:
I Wish I DidnÕt Dream

(Northern Spy -- USA )


Price: $12.95    




Out of Stock

The first duo in 14 years between guitarist Loren Connors and vocalist Suzanne Langille inspired by and using slides of MP Landis' WD series of paintings, which he created live during music performances.

Dahlgren, Chris & Lexicon: Mystic Maze
Dahlgren, Chris & Lexicon:
Mystic Maze

(Jazzwerkstatt -- Germany )


Price: $16.45    




Out of Stock

12 compositions from bassist Dahlgren in a quintet including Gebhard Ullman performing works using a compositional matrix system and narrative from critiques written against Bela Bartok.

Mako Sica / Hamid Drake: Ronda [VINYL 2 LPs]
Mako Sica / Hamid Drake:
Ronda [VINYL 2 LPs]

(Feeding Tube Records -- USA )


Price: $29.95    




Out of Stock

The long-running Chicago free-rock trio Mako Sica currently comprised of Przemyslaw Drazek (trumpet & guitar), Brent Fuscaldo (guitar) and Chaetan Newell (drums & piano) are joined by free improvising legend Hamid Drake on drum kit, tablas and frame drum for a beautiful and rich album of genre merging, spiritually warm, primarily instrumental music, inclusive and persuasive.

Mycale: Gomory: The Book Of Angels Volume 25
Mycale:
Gomory: The Book Of Angels Volume 25

(Tzadik -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




Out of Stock

The 25th Book of Angels, performing Zorn's lyrical Masada compositions, is the 2nd B.O.A. release from the a cappella vocal quartet Mycale, using a variety of texts in Portuguese, Berber, Hebrew, French and Spanish to fashion lush harmonies and strong rhythmic drive.

Taylor, Hollis: Absolute Bird [2 CDs]
Taylor, Hollis:
Absolute Bird [2 CDs]

(ReR Megacorp -- UK )


Price: $34.95    




Out of Stock

An unusual and distinctive record from violinist and ornithologist Hollis Taylor, a book with 2 CDS presenting 41 tracks of recordings of the Australian pied butcherbird, each track pairing a bird, environmental sound, and a single instrumentalist, with an impressive list of performers who take unique approaches to the challenge of accompanying a bird.

Rosaly, Frank (w/ Blonk / Boye / Farha / Pfiffner / Bishop / Broste / McBride / Diaz / Fernandez / G
Rosaly, Frank (w/ Blonk / Boye / Farha / Pfiffner / Bishop / Broste / McBride / Diaz / Fernandez / Guerra / Rodriguez):
Todos de Pie!

(Kontrans -- Netherlands )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

Examining the music of Puerto Rico through a very personal relationship, drummer Frank Rosaly assembled a group of percussionists along with trombonists Jeb Bishop & Nick Broste, bassist Nate McBride, pianist Ben Boye wind player Cameron Pfiffner, and Dutch avant-free vocalist Jaap Blonk, all using electronics and voice as they push the boundary of genre and concept.

Toys'R Noise: Manivole [VINYL]
Toys'R Noise:
Manivole [VINYL]

(BeCoq -- France )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Using toys and handmade instruments alongside guitar, bass, synths, plundered recordings and electronics, the French Toys'R'Noise trio are a live performing group that borrows from electro-beat rock forms with overtones of IDM/ambient forms, building extended sections and then amusing with quick-witted sections that bridge a clear love of the music.

Bonne Humeur Provisoire: Marek [VINYL]
Bonne Humeur Provisoire:
Marek [VINYL]

(BeCoq -- France )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

A very odd album of experimental rock and mutilated folk forms that they refer to as "A sort of traditional music from a later country in a less faraway time", from French percussionist Bertrand Fraysse with vocalist Miha, using repetition and simple forms that build to strangely dense electronic environments, with a clear DIY and peculiar attitude; great fun!

Metal Chaos Ensemble: Proteus IV
Metal Chaos Ensemble:
Proteus IV

(Evil Clown -- USA )


Price: $11.95    




In Stock

The Boston-are duo of reedist PEK and percussionsit Yuri Zbitnov cover a wide range of sonorities, always with the presence of Gongs, chimes, glockenspiel, Tibetan Bowls and many other metallic sounds and the horns of PEK, here in a sci-fi epic, with Eric Woods on modular synth and Englephone, Mike Gruen on bass, and Joel Simches with real-time signal processing.

Johansen, Guro Gravem / Sergio Castrillon: Ekelyveien 10
Johansen, Guro Gravem / Sergio Castrillon:
Ekelyveien 10

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Norwegian jazz vocalist Guro Gravem Johansen (Soyr, Crazy Moon, and vocalist for Helge Hurum's orchestra), in a duo with Colombian cellist based in Helsinki, Sergio Castrillon, performing on a prepared microtonal cello, as the two improvise over five dialogs, from the extended "Primo" to the succinct "Quintuple", blending unusual technique with unique creative impulse.

VocColours / Yoichiro Kita: Live in Japan
VocColours / Yoichiro Kita:
Live in Japan

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A strange album of vocal improvisation from the the VocCoulours quartet of Brigitte Kuepper, Gala Gabriele Hummel, Norbert Zajac, and Iouri Grankin, performing live with Koichi Makigami on (voice & theremin), Yoichiro Kita (trumpet & laptop), Keiko Komori (bass clarinet), and Morgan Fisher (keyboards & toys); a truly unique album of startling utterance, texture, and environment.

Blonk, Jaap / Damon Smith: Hugo Ball: Sechs Laut- Und Klanggedichte 1916 (Six Sound Poems, 1916) [CA
Blonk, Jaap / Damon Smith:
Hugo Ball: Sechs Laut- Und Klanggedichte 1916 (Six Sound Poems, 1916) [CASSETTE]

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $0.00    




Out of Stock

Three free improvisations for voice & double bass + improvisations on Hugo Ball's Six Sound Poems from the duo of free improvising vocalist Jaap Blonk and double bassist Damon Smith.

Denyer, Frank: The Boundaries of Intimacy
Denyer, Frank:
The Boundaries of Intimacy

(Another Timbre -- UK )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

A set of varied compositions from Frank Denyer, most of them of a delicate acoustic intimacy, with works for female singers & flute, two works for koto, a string quartet, one for flute and electronics and the two-part "Frog" for a bowed stringed instrument of Denyer design, the "sneh"; uncategorizable music of sublime imagination and unusual approaches.

Mazurek, Rob : Chimeric Stoned Horn [CD]
Mazurek, Rob :
Chimeric Stoned Horn [CD]

(Astral Spirits -- USA )


Price: $8.00    




Out of Stock

Astral Spirits first CD release comes with a pair of 3D glasses, to allow the listener to view Mazurek's 3D lithographs that cover this album of piccolo trumpet explorations with electronics, voice and percussion, a deeply personal and spiritual album from the Chicago trumpeter, released in conjunction with Mazurek's art opening "Constellation Scores" at URDLA in France.

JeJaWeDa (Bishop / Blonk / Walter / Smith): Pioneer Works Vol. 1 [CD + BOOKLET]
JeJaWeDa (Bishop / Blonk / Walter / Smith):
Pioneer Works Vol. 1 [CD + BOOKLET]

(Balance Point Acoustics -- USA )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The 1st of two volumes from the quartet of Jeb Bishop on trombone & electronics, Jaap Blonk on voice & electronics, Weasel Walter on percussion, and Damon Smith on double bass, each player an innovator and leader on their own, together bringing unique elements of virtuoso quirk and passionate mastery, merging voice, electronics and acoustics in profoundly unusual ways.

Reid, Tomeka / Kyoko Kitamura / Tyler Ho Bynum / Joe Morris: Geometry Of Distance
Reid, Tomeka / Kyoko Kitamura / Tyler Ho Bynum / Joe Morris:
Geometry Of Distance

(Relative Pitch -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Following their debut album, "Geometry of Caves", the quartet of improvising musicians Joe Morris (guitar), Tomeka Reid (cello), Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet) and Kyoko Kitamura (voice) return for this album of passionate free improvisation, here even more attuned as a group as they employ their collective language using unusual technique and incredible expertise; spectacular!

Keita, Aly / Jan Galega Bronnimann / Lucas Niggli: Kalan Teban
Keita, Aly / Jan Galega Bronnimann / Lucas Niggli:
Kalan Teban

(Intakt -- Switzerland )


Price: $17.95    




Out of Stock

Absolutely compelling rhythms and grooves from this trio bringing together Ivory Coast balafon player Aly Keita with Cameroon clarinetist and saxophonist Jan Galega Bronnimann and Swiss drummer Lucas Niggli, who was born in West Cameroon, the trio bringing strong African rhythms and melodic progressions to their propulsive and joyful improvisations.

Dharmoo, Gabriel : Quelques fictions
Dharmoo, Gabriel :
Quelques fictions

(Ambiances Magnetiques -- Canada )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Stunningly unusual vocal music from composer, music researcher and vocalist based in Montreal, Gabriel Dharmoo, collecting works from 2012 to 2019, performed with small and large ensembles using almost completely wordless voice, utterance, guttural sound, swoops and, melodic flights, augmented with physical percussion like stamping and clamping; brilliant and enthralling.

Corner, Philip: Gamelan Coming & Going
Corner, Philip:
Gamelan Coming & Going

(ANTS Records -- Italy )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Gamelan Son of Lion partners Philip Corner and Evan Schwartzman perform this Fluxus composition where two pianists play piano notes on the chromatic scale in relationship to numbers counted out loud from 1 to 88, forward and backward, creating an unusual texture and counterpoint that when taken as a whole becomes hypnotic and obsessively absorbing; inexplicably interesting.

Okuda, Rieko / Antti Virtaranta / Girial Baars: LAB H Tapes
Okuda, Rieko / Antti Virtaranta / Girial Baars:
LAB H Tapes

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Two distinct improvisation from the trio of Japanese musician Rieko Okuda on piano & viola, Finnish musician Antti Virtaranta on double bass, and Russian musician Girilal Baars on voice & objects, the first with Baars primarily focused on free vocals in a Phil Minton-esque mode, the second all instrumental with Baars performing on "old wheel".

Vonlanthen, Vinz: No Man's Land
Vonlanthen, Vinz:
No Man's Land

(Leo Records -- UK )


Price: $11.54    




Out of Stock

Not ambient nor aggressive, Swiss guitarist Vinz Vonlanthen's latest solo album finds the improviser creating contemplative environments in unhurried ways, allowing bass and upper string to interact, often adding unusual vocal emanations to punctuate or layer with the guitar, creating an eclectic set of succinct works, often ominous, always uniquely fascinating.

Wong, Theresa / Frantz Loriot: Live at Zoom In
Wong, Theresa / Frantz Loriot:
Live at Zoom In

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Recording at the magnificent cathedral at Berner Münster in Switzerland during the 2017 Zoom In Festival, the improvising string duo of violist Frantz Loriot and cellist Theresa Wong, also on voice, performed this extended work of creative string interaction, energetic and idiosyncratic and wonderfully expressive, enhanced by the natural resonance of the space.

Waters, Patty (w/ Greene / Pavone / Altschul): An Evening In Houston
Waters, Patty (w/ Greene / Pavone / Altschul):
An Evening In Houston

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The distinctively unique voice and unconventional stylings of Patty Waters bring a set of standards and folk songs to a live quartet session in Houston, Texas in 2018 with the stellar backup of Burton Greene on piano, Mario Pavone on bass, and Barry Altschul on drums, covering songs by Billy Holiday, Nat King Cole & Hank Williams along with a trio instrumental of Monk's "Off Minor".

Duplant, Bruno / Pierre Gerard: Soleil Clandestin
Duplant, Bruno / Pierre Gerard:
Soleil Clandestin

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

Five "Soleil Clandestin" soundscapes using abstract voice, guitar, electronics, field recordings & percussion from sound artists Bruno Duplant and Pierre Gerard, on the surface peaceful, minimal and using space and silence, but buried inside are disquieting additions through vocal abstractions placed in unusual position to the sound; curious and captivating.

Li, Bin : I Am Also Here
Li, Bin :
I Am Also Here

(Edition Wandelweiser Records -- Austria )


Price: $12.95    




In Stock

A work of silence and intervention from Manhattan-based Chinese composer and sound artist Bin Li presenting two versions of the title track, with Stefan Thut on viol & voice on the 1st version, and voice only on the 2nd, using the locations of Manhattan and Gimmelwald, Switzerland as the background of careful viol and voice placement; intriguing and compelling.

Mattin : Songbook #5 [VINYL] <i>[Used Item]</i>
Mattin :
Songbook #5 [VINYL] [Used Item]

(Disembraining Machine -- Australia )


Price: $15.00    




In Stock

Mattin takes 5 spontaneous 5-minute songs from 5 musicians, and a 25 minute concert structured by 5 instructions based on those song titles, then records vocals for the 5 songs as a singing lecture, then superimposes all 3 to create the five 5-minutes songs on this album.

Cremaster / Komora A: split [7-inch VINYL] <i>[Used Item]</i>
Cremaster / Komora A:
split [7-inch VINYL] [Used Item]

(Monotype -- Poland )


Price: $11.66    




In Stock

A split 7" release between Cremaster (Alfredo Costa Monteiro (electronics) and Ferran Fages (feedback mixing board and electroacoustic devices); and the Komora A trio of Karol Koszniec (electronics), Dominik Kowalczyk (laptop) and Jakub Mikolajczyk (modular synth).

KNW : NORTH ov GOD
KNW :
NORTH ov GOD

(Psykomanteum -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An album of ecstatic noise improv with an experimental edge from the trio of Ulrich Krieger on tenor saxophone & contrabass clarinet, Nandor Nevai on "throats" & drums, and Wolcott on oscillator & electronics, viciously assertive music in seven track of mostly succinct statements composed or conceived by each of the band members; cathartic.

No Mor Musik: No Mor Musik
No Mor Musik:
No Mor Musik

(ugEXPLODE -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

This puzzling display of punk/jazz surrealism is masterminded by Nondor Nevai on drums and vocals, featuring Weasel Walter on bass and legendary journeyman Kenny Millions (aka Keshavan Maslak) on guitar and reeds, a sort of unholy fusion between extreme metal, bludgeoning noise rock, free jazz, black humor and true stream-of-consciousness improvisation.

Krakow Improvisers Orchestra: KIO at Cricoteka
Krakow Improvisers Orchestra:
KIO at Cricoteka

(Not Two -- Poland )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The 13-piece Krakow Improvisers Orchestra approaches their music through conduction and improvisation, founder Paulina Owczarek leading the ensemble in an impressive 3-part work recorded in the studio, an exciting and quirky set using mostly acoustic instrumentation through reeds, brass and two drummer/percussionist, 2 bass players, free vocal improv, synth & guitar.

Leandre, Joelle / Lauren Newton / Myra Melford: Stormy Whispers
Leandre, Joelle / Lauren Newton / Myra Melford:
Stormy Whispers

(Listen! Foundation (Fundacja Sluchaj!) -- Poland )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

The 13th International Festival of Improvised Music "Ad Libitum" in Warsaw, 2018, themed "Women Alarm!", presented the new trio of Joëlle Léandre (double bass), Myra Melford (piano), and Lauren Newton (free improv voice), performing a masterfully energetic, quirky and indescribably enthralling set of trio and duo improvisations titled "Whisper" 1 through 8.

Alves, Pedro Melo (Johnson / Nunes / Dionisio / Risser / Dresser / Moieme / Alves): In Igma
Alves, Pedro Melo (Johnson / Nunes / Dionisio / Risser / Dresser / Moieme / Alves):
In Igma

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

Constrast from shifts in sound, texture and dynamic in Pedro Melo Alves' commissioned work for the Jazz No Parque Festival, using 3 vocalists (Aubrey Johnson, Beatriz Nunes, & Mariana Dionisio) to layer and interact over a quartet of contemporary and improvised instrumentalists: Eve Risser (piano), Mark Dresser (bass), Abdul Moimeme (electric guitar), and Alves (drums & percussion).

Gorlinsky / Sysoev / Muller: Universal Vitamin
Gorlinsky / Sysoev / Muller:
Universal Vitamin

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )


Price: $15.95    




Out of Stock

An extended improvisation for acoustic instrumentation and voice using unusual and extended techniques, from the Russian trio of Alexey Sysoev on piano, Vladimir Gorlinsky on guitar & voice, and Christian Müller on clarinet, recorded at the Cultural Centre DOM in Moscow in 2019, cycling patiently from quietly expressive sections to chamber-oriented brightly active moments.

Blonk's, Jaap Retirement Overdue (w/ Petruccelli / Stadhouders / Rosaly): New Start [2 CDs]
Blonk's, Jaap Retirement Overdue (w/ Petruccelli / Stadhouders / Rosaly):
New Start [2 CDs]

(Kontrans -- The Netherlands )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

The first working band for Dutch vocal improviser Jaap Blonk in 20 years, as he passes 65 years and is clearly NOT ready for retirement, assembling Miguel Petruccelli (Native Aliens Ensemble) on guitar, Jasper Stadhouders (Cactus Truck) on bass, and Chicago ex-pat Frank Rosaly on drums for a double CD of new work, collective improvisation and reworked Blonk classics.

Artaud, Antonin (Jaap Blonk): To Have Done With the Judgment of God
Artaud, Antonin (Jaap Blonk):
To Have Done With the Judgment of God

(Kontrans -- The Netherlands )


Price: $17.95    




In Stock

Vocal performer & musician Jaap Blonk presents a rendering of French dramatist, poet and theatre director Antonin Artaud's "Pour en Finir avec le Jugement de Dieu" (To Have Done With the Judgment of God), a work shelved by the French Radio in 1948 without broadcast as 'too scatological, political, anti-religious, random, and cacophonous through xylophonic and percussive sounds'.

Mitchell, Nicole / Lisa E. Harris: Earthseed [VINYL 2 LPs]
Mitchell, Nicole / Lisa E. Harris:
Earthseed [VINYL 2 LPs]

(FPE Records -- USA )


Price: $25.95    




Out of Stock

Continuing her series of large works inspired by the dystopic writings of Octavia E. Butler, composer and flutist Nicole Mitchell assembles Chicago improvisers including cellist Tomeka Reid, percussionist Avreeayl Ra, trumpeter Ben LaMar Gay and interdisciplinary artist Lisa E. Harris to explore facets of Butler's Parable of the Sower.

Powerdove: Bitter Banquet
Powerdove:
Bitter Banquet

(fo'c'sle -- USA )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

Keyboardist Annie Lewandowski (London Improvisers Orchestra, Fred Frith, Samech) composed this song cycle about ancient Greek figures in collaboration with David Yearsley, Theresa Wong and Russell Greenberg, poetic pieces contrasting traditional use of instruments with subtle experimental approaches in a unique and fascinating set of compositional strategies.

Dalachinsky, Steve / Matthew Shipp  : Phenomena of Interference
Dalachinsky, Steve / Matthew Shipp :
Phenomena of Interference

(Hopscotch Records -- USA )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

The duo of Downtown NY-ers poet Steve Dalachinsky and pianist Matthew Shipp improvising over 22 of Dalachinsky's sharply worded poems of "everyday" observation.

Kubisch, Christina: Italienische Stucke/Italian Pieces (1974-1984)
Kubisch, Christina:
Italienische Stucke/Italian Pieces (1974-1984)

(Tochnit Aleph -- Germany )


Price: $19.95    




Out of Stock

A conceptual performance piece from Christina Kubisch, composed and recorded between 1974-84 while in Italy, including a NY performance recorded by Phill Niblock, realized with Arturo Morfino on drums, guitar & objects and Fabrizio Plessi gargling water; an unusual, engrossing and excursive work integrating electronics, field recordings, wind instruments and voice.

Andre / Tokar / Kugel: Varpai
Andre / Tokar / Kugel:
Varpai

(Nemu Records -- Belgium )


Price: $7.18    




Out of Stock

The trio of drummer Klaus Kugel, bassist Mark Tokar and vocalist Andre Pabarciute use extended vocal & instrumental technique, archaic sound objects, & ritual percussion within free metric structure.

Yannatou, Savina / Joana Sa: Ways of Not Seeing
Yannatou, Savina / Joana Sa:
Ways of Not Seeing

(Clean Feed -- Portugal )


Price: $14.95    




In Stock

A gorgeous and sinuous album of piano and voice from Portuguese pianist Joana Sá, using preparations and props to accompany the incredibly illustrative voice of Greek vocalist Savina Yannatou, whose profound skills create a sense of mystery and narrative that surpasses language and intent, creating something uniquely fragile yet fiercely alluring.

Bopp, Christiane / Jean-Marc Foussat / Emmanuelle Parrenin: Nature Still
Bopp, Christiane / Jean-Marc Foussat / Emmanuelle Parrenin:
Nature Still

(Fou Records -- France )


Price: $13.95    




In Stock

An immersive record of free improvisation from the French trio of analog synth player Jean-Marc Foussat, trombonist Christiane Bopp, and vocalist Emmanuelle Parrenin, 4 works inspired by a still life painting by Duane Keiser, each an impressive evolution and transmutation of sound in dream-like environments that envelop then surprise its listeners.

Chen, Audrey / Phil Minton : Frothing Morse
Chen, Audrey / Phil Minton :
Frothing Morse

(Tour de Bras -- Canada )


Price: $15.95    




In Stock

Two innovators of free vocal improvisation come together for a concert at Santa Chiara Nuova Church during the 2015 ImprovvisaMente festival in Lodi, Italy, setting aside Chen's cello and electronics to focus on pure voice interactions, each using their unique language and technique in a single 37 minute performance of intrepid, inexplicable and unique improv.



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