We're not in Kansas anymore...
R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 06/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first of Evan Parker's Electro-Acoustic Ensemble recordings that ECM has made available in the U.S. (The first, TOWARD THE MARGINS, has since been released here.) The EAE represents a major departure for Parker, and it is an exhilarating one for anyone turned on by the further reaches of experimental improv. The unit works with the simultaneous input of the acoustic players (sax, bass, violin and percussion) and several electronic processors. The sound produced is eerie, otherwordly, and fascinating. By all means, investigate, but be aware that you do not hear Parker, Guy, Lytton or Wachsmann distinctly very often -- look to any of the superb Parker/Guy/Lytton trio albums for a completely different excellence (unfortunately they're hard to get -- consult the Penguin guide or me for further guidance). This is one example of how European free jazz evolved into free improv, and here contacts developments of Xenakis, Stockhausen, and beyond.
Now there is a live EAE disc on ECM as well, MEMORY/VISION (recorded in 2002 -- see my review). I recommend starting with one of the superb studio discs -- the live recording adds piano and more prominent violin to the Parker/Guy/Lytton core, but sprawls and lacks the intense focus of TOWARD THE MARGINS and DRAWN INWARD (10/31/04)."
Intense
Thor Furbeck | maryland usa | 02/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the sound of aliens landing in motherships, of trips to other dimensions, flocks of birds and insects and mother nature screaming. Almost scary at times, in a great way. Enjoy."