Search - John Carter :: Dauwhe

Abstract compositions

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listening to this music for almost a year, and I still cant say I grasp it fully.
Carter has prepared a varied program, ranging from quiet clarinet almost unaccompanied, to group improvisation of all eight instrumentalists.
The musicians are: Carter on clarinet, Bobby Bradford on cornet, Red Callender on tuba, James Newton on flutes, Charles Owens on soprano sax oboe and clarinet, Roberto Miranda on bass, William Jeffrey on drums, and Luis Peralta on waterphone and percussion.
This music, much in the AACM tradition, utilizes space and silence to great effect, and approaches sound and structure in a way that reminds me of Roscoe Mitchell and early Braxton.
There is a constant gentle flow that is unique, and is what I remember from each listening..
Carter's clarinet is amazing, but the music is not a showcase for any individual instrument, as the group collective spirit is emphasized throughout.
I admire the musicians who have the courage to play creatively without regard to commercialism. This recording is totally creative, displays the communication between the performers and maintains interest throughout.
It is recommended to anyone who loves the AACM sound, and others who accept the challenge in music, and are willing to receive what the musicians have to offer."

First in a long series of great Carter albums

TMC | Los Angeles, CA | 07/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dauwhe is the first in the suite that John Carter composed centered on the theme of the transition of Africans to African-Americans-- from Dauwhe (Africa) to Castles of Ghana (another masterpiece, centered around the slave trade) up through Shadows on the Wall (modern America).

This album is more centered on improvisations than others in the series, and there tends to be quite a lot of solo space-- which is a good thing for us, as it captures John, Bobby Bradford and James Newton and Charles Owens in searing form-- but that isn't to slight the compositions, either. All of the themes will stick to you immediately, and you'll find yourself returning to Dauwhe frequently.

If you like this album, I highly recommend "Castles of Ghana", as well as any of the Carter/Bradford quartet albums."