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  Matt Milton / David Thomas / Ryan Jewel / Patrick Farmer 
  Bear Ground
  (Creative Sources) 


  
   review by Jeph Jerman
  2009-05-21
Matt Milton / David Thomas / Ryan Jewel / Patrick Farmer: Bear Ground (Creative Sources)

Three untitled pieces of object improv from this improvising quartet performed using mostly acoustic sources. Scant information about this one, but I know that these musicians have been playing together for a while. Farmer runs the Compost and Height label which specializes in this kind of improvisation, along with field recordings, processed and not.

Field recordings might be a good referent to these slices of textural sound, as they ebb and flow the way the sounds outside my window do, and surprises pop up just like in "real life". It's difficult to tell just who is making what sound, and even exactly what thing is making them at times. The notes list violin, objects, viola, bamboo, snare drum, voice, breath and drum, but I swear I'm hearing horns or reeds for long stretches of time. The given textures hold one's attention, perhaps because of this "what is it" aspect, but also through well placed transitions into new approaches/sounds. It's quite often on the quiet side, erupting from time to time into scratchy loudness. The CD itself is wrapped in Farmer's beautiful nature photographs, which complement the music nicely and give a referent to those who need one.

But... just what is a bear ground?







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