UK improvising saxophonist Rachel Musson incorporates spoken word text and daring instrumental experimentation in a large work for an 8-piece ensemble of bass, sax, and strings, with narration in a through-composed text written by Musson that explores the process of improvisation, and her reflections on the experiential process of making music.
Label: 577 Records Catalog ID: CD-577R-5847 Squidco Product Code: 29595
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2020 Country: USA Packaging: Digipack Recorded at Cafe Oto, in London, United Kingdom, on June 19th, 2019, by James Dunn.
"Musson debuts her own ambitious compositions, incorporating spoken word text and daring instrumental experimentation, alongside eight other accomplished musicians. The ensemble was built around the close working relationship between saxophonist Rachel Musson and drummer Mark Sanders. The music, a blend of compositions and improvisation designed to highlight all of the different musical voices in the ensemble, is suspended from a through-composed text written by Musson that explores the process of improvisation, and her reflections on the experiential process of making music.
Showcasing her own directorial ability, this project also draws from a long career in experimental collaboration, including previous projects at 577 Records like 'SHIFA' alongside Pat Thomas and Mark Sanders, and a feature on Federico Ughi's 'Transoceanico LP.' While much of this album has its roots in free jazz, the semi-notated score and spoken word text allow for semi-orchestral influences to reach the fore, ranging from delicate chamber-size string sections to a more upfront horn section and simmering percussions throughout."-577