For many, Free Improvisation is the abolition of the musician's ego in favor of a constantly fluctuating group sound. Then, what is often called microsonic (or lowercase) free improvisation is the abolition of the instrument's ego in favor of a constantly fluctuating flow of sound, regardless of... [+] Expand

For many, Free Improvisation is the abolition of the musician's ego in favor of a constantly fluctuating group sound. Then, what is often called microsonic (or lowercase) free improvisation is the abolition of the instrument's ego in favor of a constantly fluctuating flow of sound, regardless of who plays or with what. On this eponymous CD, percussionist Jon Mueller, saxophonist Bhob Rainey, and synthesist Jim Schoenecker create aural illusions reminiscent of the mirages one experiences in the desert. Coincidence? -- the album was "recorded in a 110 degree room," states the press release. Deprived of a regular sensory flow, the brain starts playing tricks -- in the desert or in your listening room. Focusing your ears on silence, desperately trying to catch meaningful sounds, something to associate with previous experiences, your brain begins to interpret and over interpret the stimuli: was that a "real" snare drum roll or a tongue-fluttering sax trick? Is that a synth note or a bowed cymbal? Are there three musicians playing at this very moment or only one? This CD is filled with such riddles and faux-entendres. The debut album from Rainey's improv group the BSC also is, but it contains a more important human factor. This CD, on the other hand, is rough, merciless in its fascination, extremely demanding, and leaves very little reward in the end. Percussion work consists of brushing and resonating, the saxophone is hardly more than a tube with a tongue attached, the synthesizer is a rumbling machine occasionally letting high frequencies escape. The three don't even attempt to create their own logic, they defy logic altogether. Music to make your brain sizzle. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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