Search - Fred Firth :: Keep the Dog: That House We Lived In

KEEP THE DOG is a double disk, live recording of Fred's all-star group, which includes Jean Derome & Rene Lussier (Les Granules), Zeena Parkins (Skeleton Crew, News From Babel), New York sampler artist Bob Ostertag and the legendary drummer Charles Hayward (Quiet Sun, This Heat, Camberwell Now). To call the performances "lively" would be an understatement, and although there is a fair amount of excellent group improvisation (each of the members are known for their expertise in the field) the composed sections, which far outnumber the ad libitums, are played as tightly and energetically as any group could ever hope for. Herein we are treated to a musical smorgasbord of Fred's past repetoire from albums like "Cheap at 1/2 the Price", "Country of Blinds", "Who Needs Ememies ?" "Step Accross the Border" and "Gravity", as well as lesser known pieces rejuvenated especially for this ensemble. While each composition has kept its integrity in these live settings, the strengths of these particular performers breathes new life into them, and eagerly sheds light on each of their best assests. Needless to say, there has rarely been so much accredited talent together on one stage before, and the result is thrilling.