Pierre Henry, legendary pioneer in the field of musique concrète, passed away today. He was 89.
More to come on his passing shortly.
Improvisational
[Music] The Post-Decadent Singers – Post-Decadent Songs
The Post-Decadent Singers are a group led by Mexican guitarist Hector Javier (H.J.) Ayala. Mellow, shimmering, improvisational music. H.J. is a cut above so many other experimental musicians out there.
For more on Hector’s music, consider visiting his Bandcamp site.
[Music] Hijokaidan – Emergency Stairway To Heaven
The kings of Japanese Noise, Hijokaidan, have finally entered the digital music market.
[Music] The Best Jazz on Bandcamp: May 2017
Our guide to the month’s best jazz releases.
[Music] Santiago Fradejas – Nila Taurica
Santiago Fradejas’ album came as quite a surprise, not only to me, but to him. He’s a friend to this blog, and in my estimation, is among the most important young composers of the 21st Century, as well as being one hell of a fine guitarist.
This new album came from an explosion of creativity which produced 11 songs of solo guitar tracks, manipulated into a type of horror-movie or noir soundtrack vibe (think the creepier moments of Bernard Herrmann, but with an electric guitar). This is going to be a treat for those of you who like the work of Keiji Haino’s solo endeavors, and even those who like avant-garde and experimental music like Nurse With Wound or Luc Ferrari.
[Music] Various Artists – The living strings I. (Exclusive musicformessier, Black Hill, Silent Island and whitecube single package)
Csarnogurszky István is a guitarist out of Hungary whose work simply leaves you in a state of floating mellowness. This release is a compilation of some of the projects he works on, under various guises.
[Music] Various Artists – Outro Tempo: Electronic And Contemporary Music From Brazil 1978-1992
Brazil, the land of gorgeous women, sensuous music, favelas, beaches, crime and jungles, was also the home to a very healthy experimental music scene during the late 70s and early 80s.
The Dutch record label Music From Memory is responsible for publishing this amazing comp.
[Music] Noël Akchoté – All I Have To Say
If this is all Noël Akchoté has to say, I’d say it’s quite a lot. Not since Derek Bailey has anyone, at least to my ears, make skeletal sketches sound to full. This is a solo album of standards sparsely arranged and performed on electric guitar. The most touching piece, Are You Lonesome Tonight, shows the beauty of the instrumentation, even if we’re lacking the voice of Elvis to fill this out.
Expect a few more reviews of Noël’s work here. He’s always busy crafting some new work of art, and collaborating with some fine new talent.
[Music] Marimba Plus – Apocalypse (The 15th Anniversary Concert)
With all due thanks to my friend in Kazakhstan, Vyacheslav Popatov, who introduced me to the work of Marimba Plus, a Russian ethno-prog-jazz-fusion band whose work is currently blowing me away. You can hear more from the band at their Bandcamp page.
[Music] – Jeff Gburek – The Thought That Comes Between (Works Based On Diverse Pianos 2017)
Jeff Gburek’s first release of the year isn’t quite finished yet, and to be honest, I hope it simply grows and mutates. For those of you who can appreciate minimalist piano performances in the manner of some of Arvo Pärt’s best works, this release comes highly recommended. For the best effect, consider using a good pair of headphones or a 5.1 surround sound system to hear how gorgeous the separation of sound is handled.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 