Search - David Torn :: Tripping Over God

A Stellar Album About This World

x_bruce | 08/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of Torn's catalog I like this CD best because he narrows his focus, in this case, spirituality, various ethnicities and the use of their instruments within modern music.



So what do you actually hear? It's difficult to discuss. Of all Torn's albums, this is the best candidate for 60 second sound segments as each is a microcosym onto itself.



Many treated instruments are found here. Acoustic guitars, Asian, Middle Eastern particularly, and African percussion and pitched instruments dot the landscape with glorious dark timbres wafting in the background. And, of course, Torn has his electric guitar never too far from this project.



If you were a musician who used samples, this would be closest to David Torn's "Pandora's Toolbox" loop collection, which in fact were more like 15 - 120 second songs you could use to place in ambient, world or film recordings.



On Tripping Over God, we are at times taken back to the past, with a sense of almost biblical times, due in no small reason to the instruments which have been used over the centuries and David Torn's always interesting, often inspiring playing. Here he is more his own man and less "band leader", "producer" or "Robert Fripp's substitute" roles he plays more than I'd appreciate, especially when he's on his game when he's playing guitars and non-western instrumentation. In particular, this electric guitar work is superb.



The majority of songs are 'home' recorded and have a lovely, untouched by million dollar equipment, feel. This is excellent listening or near-bacground/ambient music that'll occasionally make you snap your head up from work after hearing a particularly great sounding guitar line.



Also, this is very much an ensemble album, even if it is all Torn, or mostly Torn overdubing. The intimate feeling is what makes Tripping Over God such a exciting find in David Torn's catalog.



Why it hasn't been picked up for release is beyond me. Perhaps becasue it's neither as techno, keeping in mind that everywhere else in the world techno means electronic music, not necessarily dance club stuff as we tend to assume in the U.S, nor any catagory that is easy to push. As someone who has dealt with people that sell you your music, I can promise there is very little effort put into anything that doesn't sound like the clone of the last "new" thing to hit popular music. As this is Jazz, it's just not John Tesh enough, nor has Torn managed to build a career like that of other guitarists where he is given room to explore.



If you can find this CD you'll enjoy it's quieter pleasures and mysteries. Highly recommended, particularly for fans of progressive and jazz styled guitar that is melodic and not fret-burning, ear exausting soloing that couldn't hold attention anywhere near the 40 minute length of this inspired album.



Hopefully, I'm not overselling the album, concept or Mr Torn's skills, but he is an interesting individual who is worth learning of. He is known for his firey guitar work. Here it is still intact but in a different mannor and to tremendous effect.



If you can open you mind just a bit, you'll find rewards in this atmospheric, virtuistic, understated album."

Even god would tripout

yajdubuddah | cheboygan,michigan usa | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best of torns solo stuff. Im amazed that so many people have written reviews for his other albums but not this one. This is a complete solo album. he does everything, guitar, drums, bass, synth, you name it the mans a genious. Verry ambient guitars and suddle synth at times then rocking greatness. Sorry this album is out of print but the main stream never bought it and obviouselly never will, snag a used copy before its gone forever. The next best thing is his splattercell cds, ones his and the other is a remix by other artists both are beyong conventional words. enjoy."