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Triptet: Figures in the Carpet
The deconstructed lullaby "Surfactants," for example, opens with wistful chimes over waves of robotic drone and other sonic effects. French hornist
Greg Campbell
drumsA dramatic and expressionistic sensibility runs throughout this thought-provoking record The melancholic dialogue between Monhart and Campbell expands over guitarist
Tom Baker
drums1952 - 2001
Perhaps the most cinematic of all the pieces is "Tuning the Blue City." With Its mixture of heavy thuds of deeply resonant drums and swells of electronic modulations it could easily serve as a film soundtrack, albeit one directed by David Lynch. This darkly hued fantasy features galloping rhythms through deserted urban soundscapes filled only by the ominous jangle and moan of automated machinery.
The album is much more than just atmospheric accoutrement. The ambient reverberations serve as a background to intricate improvisations. Campbell's mellow horn flows out of the murky tonal storm of the title track, eloquently punctuating his band mates' refrains. Monhart's edgy and energetic tenor solo emerges out of the rumble of "External Rhyme," while Baker's assertive guitar leads a charged extemporization out of the roar of "The Myth of the Ordinary Man." The tune, characterized by percussive African sensibilities, closes with a delightful and stimulating cacophony, reminiscent of some of
Art Ensemble Of Chicago
band / ensemble / orchestraThis intriguing disc by an intelligently creative trio is clearly not for mainstream consumption. Its mixture of abstract intellectualism and visceral emotionality is, however, immensely rewarding for those more open-minded. ">
Track Listing
External Rhyme; Gates of Glass; Figure in the Carpet; Palimpsest; Rain Tractor; Ode to the Nightwatchman; Under Land; Tuning the Blue City; The Myth of an Ordinary Man; Surfactants.
Personnel
Michael Monhart: saxophone, electronics; Tom Baker: fretless guitar, theremin, electronics; Greg Campbell: drums, junk percussion, French horn.
Album information
Title: Figures in the Carpet | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Engine Studios
Tags
Triptet
CD/LP/Track Review
Hrayr Attarian
Engine Studios
United States
Washington
Seattle
Greg Campbell
Tom Baker
Art Ensemble of Chicago
Figures in the Carpet
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