Search - Billy Bang :: Commandment

Another Side of Bang

Robert | 01/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very interesting sub-genre album for fans of Bang and Downtown-scene violin playing. It is a series of "duets" between Bang and some sculptures, recorded live in a private loft. Well, I'm not sure what I think about the sculpture business. But here's a rare chance to hear Bang highly exposed: lengthy unaccompanied improvisations without the distortive electric effects.I had some reservations about whether Bang (or anyone) could sustain an entire disc of solo improvised violin. My fears were unfounded. There were indeed some passages that perhaps didn't have all that much going on musically, but the bulk of this disc was inventive, sometimes powerful, and also demonstrated far more virtuosity on the instrument than I'd previously given Bang credit for. You also get to hear him make some comments to the audience. A definite keeper."