Search - Henry Grimes :: Solo

Beautiful, gripping music

James E. Anderson | 06/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"with superb sound. I could listen to this all day. Grimes' sense of improvisation on both acoustic bass and violin is unique and revelatory in his inventive vision: I think the guy is a genius when it comes to free improvisation with others. Here you have the man in a more relaxed but equally delightful vibe but the musical inventiveness is off the Richter scale. He has me on the edge of my seat as you never know what weird and wonderful sounds and phrases are coming next.



He rotates between the 2 instruments on each disc with short gaps between each in one continuous recording session. How on earth one human being can go for well over 2 hours in such an inspired state holds me in awe. The recording seems to be miked beautifully so you sense Grime's warm personality in the room with you as well as hear masses of intricate nuance in the bowed string sounds from each instrument.



The world needs more of this sort of thing. Highly recommended. The reviewer in Downbeat obviously didn't get it, typical of the rag that once excellent journal has now become.



(You may find Downtown Music Gallery a little cheaper than amazon if you just want to order this 1 item and you live outside the US)"