Iskra 1903: South On The Northern
Author: Martin Longley
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Philipp Wachsmann (vn, elec) |
Label: |
Emanem |
Magazine Review Date: |
March/2014 |
Catalogue Number: |
5203 |
RecordDate: |
23 November 1988 and 27 April 1989 |
Violinist Wachsmann recorded these two previously unissued London gigs on cassettes, but the quality is very high, capturing the acoustic qualities of two pub rooms on the Northern underground line. The sounds of glass collecting are very subtle, this mass of exceptional freely improvised music framed by a concentrated listening environment. Disc A was recorded at The Bedford in Balham, while Disc B was laid down at The Sun in Clapham Old Town. The seven extended pieces have an aura of acoustic asceticism. Even though Wachsmann and bassman Guy employ electronics, the effects are quite subtle, invariably used as shading. Unavoidably, trombonist Rutherford stands slightly apart from the stringsters, tending towards linear development of lines that rise above, or sometimes dart playfully between the legs of his compadres. Wachsmann and Guy are inevitably turned into sonic siblings by their bowing, plucking and landscaping susurrus. Rutherford's rosy glow can shift into a savagely muted grumble, a morose anti-fanfare or garrulous declamation. It's a bullish chamber tussle, calm stasis alternating with lusty bustle, Rutherford bright and prickly, Wachsmann scything, Guy lodging drumsticks or scrubbing brush in-between his groaning strings. There are wildly differing levels of density and intensity. The excitement is palpable.

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