Search - Memorize the Sky :: In Former Times Live

Mystery and group improv

greg taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 12/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I suppose I should start this review by encouraging you to go to the page displaying the MP3 edition of this CD because it has sound samples. The samples will give you some idea of what to expect. But they can also mislead because this music is all about the slow unfolding of a group improv. This is second CD by Memorize The Sky (I have not heard the first on the 482 label out of Chicago). It documents a concert that took place in Ulrichsberg, Austria in April of 2007. The musicians are Matt Bauder on tenor sax and clarinet, Zach Wallace on double bass, and Aaron Siegel on snare and bass drum and vibraphone.

Look at that instrumentation again and then listen to the samples some more. Everytime I listen to this CD, I am convinced I am listening to some sort of electronic/computer manipulation of the sound. Instead, I believe what we are hearing is just masterful control of extended techniques on all the instruments. In some cases I have no idea what they are doing as on the opening to Treat Me Like A Picture. I would love to see these guys perform live just to see exactly what they are doing and if any laptops, etc.. are involved.

There are five improvs on the CD that range in length from just under four minutes to over 14. Each is unique in feel, none involve high-energy skronking, just patient unfolding of some of the possibilities. For me this is music of endless fascination and of something more. It sometimes feel as if they are creating a whole new type of music. I don't know how else to explain except to say that this CD seems to offer me something I have never heard before. I am familiar with many of the techniques just not contextualizing them like this. Strange and wonderful stuff.

Listen-obviously I am having trouble finding a hermenuetic approach to explain this. Perhaps one of you can do better. So buy the CD and educate me. In the meantime, I will conclude by saying that in the last three weeks, I have listened to parts of this CDs several dozens of times. I listen to much else as well, all good and yet I keep coming back to this.

p.s. Let me suggest going to the Clean Feed label web site to find a reasonable price."