The Squid's Ear Magazine


Stephenson, Graham / Aaron Zarzutzki: Touching (ErstAEU)

Trumpet, synthesizer and microphones from the ea-improv duo of Graham Stephenson and Aaron Zarzutzki, an unusual palette of sounds mutating both instruments with both vengeance and guttural humor, a fascinating display of sound and momentum.
 

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product information:

Personnel:



Graham Stephenson-trumpet, microphone

Aaron Zarzutzki-synthesizer, microphone


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Label: ErstAEU
Catalog ID: EA003
Squidco Product Code: 17515

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2013
Country: USA
Packaging: Digipack
Recorded by Jim Becker.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"Erstaeu 003 is, at once, the most "traditional" of the first three releases and, perhaps because of that, the most difficult to approach, at least for this listener. My previous experience with Stephenson's work (I think this is my first exposure to Zarzutzki) has often followed the pattern of initial opaqueness followed by gradual transparency, eventually resulting in enjoyment and appreciation. I say "traditional" a bit tongue in cheek, although the set here, trumpet and electronics (both also credited with microphones, contact mics, one assumes), has something in common with old-school improv duos in that it's real-time and very active although any call and response has been long since jettisoned.

Ultimately, I end up just sitting back and letting the music wash over me, cease looking for structure, allowing the knowledge to hit me retrospectively, if at all. What's left are mere descriptives, not sure of their value. The first track (all the pieces derive, I think, from a single continuous session) reaches a really fine, needle-sharp, swarming area, the strangulated brass mixed tightly with a shrill electronic surge, expiring into an itchy bath of wheezes and very rough, scratching crashes, building back up to a mid-level chatter that (possibly because I just saw him last night) recalls the work of Pascal Battus (not a bad thing!). The next piece seems more slowly paced, though no less fraught with agitated noise, featuring some seriously brutal, gravelly synth work. Cut Three is again relatively spacious, Stephenson's horn to the fore, a smidgen more geared toward normal trumpet tones, like Don Cherry on helium. The pair chuckle a bit during its denouement, a downward, farting spiral...and immediately return to the rambunctiousness of the opener, developing a furious storm of low, rude synth and burbling, bleating brass for the fourth track. Periodic pauses for breath between assaults. The piece evolves a huge amount of power, gets a fine careen going, though at times the synth becomes a bit monochromatic, Zarzutzki mining a strong lode, maybe dipping into a given sound field once or twice too often. Finally, there's something of a recession, the synth switching to springy tones, a tortured Slinky, eventually growing spare. At moments, the music brings to mind the Rowe/Sachiko M recording, "contact", though cruder (which also isn't necessarily a bad thing). A beguiling super-low hum/metallic tinkle segment, much more roughage then, surprisingly, the faint sound of a flute, perhaps from a radio, a small window opened to an adjacent world, all but obliterated by between-station-sounding buzz and bludgeoned by static eruptions. Nice. Out with a pop.

So, I end up greatly enjoying the session, not so much for structural reasons but simply for the cascade of sound, for the kind of persistent exploration and the harsh things the pair discover along the way. All three inaugural releases on the Erst sub-label are quite strong, mandatory listening."-Brian Olewnick, Just Outside


Artist Biographies

Aaron Zarzutzki describes himself as "an improviser of various sorts." He investigates "misuse and perversion of objects and systems...virtuosity, volatility, futility, and capability are thought of." Virtuosity, volatility, futility, and capability are thought of. Zarzutzki currently lives, works, and plays in Chicago. He is a member of Double Morris, Zarzutzki Duo, The Green Pasture Happiness, and collaborator with Fred Lonberg-Holm, Ben Bennett, &c.

-Squidco 3/27/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Track 01 16:21

2. Track 02 7:19

3. Track 03 3:20

4. Track 04 12:19

5. Track 05 23:24

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Electro-Acoustic Improv
NY Downtown & Metropolitan Jazz/Improv
erstwhile
Duo Recordings

Search for other titles on the label:
ErstAEU.


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