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Fred Van Hove: Piano Solo

By Mark Corroto
May 18, 2011
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Belgian pianist Fred Van Hove has always been identified with the European free music movement, but he also stands outside the cadre of players that formed the FMP label. This rerelease (first time on CD) of two solo LPs, Prosper (1981) and Die Letzte (1986), reaffirm his personality and uniqueness as an improvising player.

Piano Solo comes as part of the limited edition box FMP im R��ckblick—In Retrospect (1969-2010), with its extraordinary 218-page book full of photographs, articles, and a complete FMP discography, plus twelve discs of music. Piano Solo and each disc is also separately available.

Van Hove is probably best known as a member of

Peter Brötzmann

woodwinds
1941 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Br?tzmann's early bands with

Han Bennink

drums
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Han Bennink, and a participant in the legendary Machine Gun (FMP, 1968) session. His distinguished solo career is a better gauge of his chosen path as an improviser. While the previous release Flux (Potlatch, 1998) and a rerelease Complete Vogel Recordings 1972-74 (Unheard Music, 2002) are outstanding, these two long out-of-print sessions from 1981 and 1986 give a more fitting insight into his art.

Van Hove applies a sharp improvisational style, quite separate and apart from the American tradition. That said, he skips and leaps across the keys, not unlike

Cecil Taylor

piano
1929 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Cecil Taylor, and his rolling notes on "Chiens Chauds Stim��s" are reminiscent of

Don Pullen

piano
1941 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Pullen's knuckled notes. Van Hove though, extends his range here squeezing out sounds from the insides of the piano and from the wooden frame. These two dates percolate with ideas and musical schemes.

Throughout, Van Hove maintains his own language. On "Other Piece" the pianist flaunts a sort of silent movie soundtrack, drawing attention to both the action of the music and the off-kilter melody. His reinvention of sound and performance can be vocal, as on "Toesspraak," or dance-like, as on "Lest." Throughout, he sustains a creative energy while designing a new and varied sound.

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Track Listing

Sharp Wie Ein F In Berlin; Chiens Chauds Stim��s; Sagen Sie Einfach Free Music Und Es Gibt Fr��hst��ck; Joost Mag Het Weten; Grote Tremolo Met Klap; Other Piece; Toespraak; Zizque D'anvers (voor G.R. uit L.); Prosper Wals; Die Letzte; Iest; Twits; Dards; Lest.

Personnel

Fred Van Hove

accordion

Fred Van Hove: piano, voice.

Album information

Title: Piano Solo | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: FMP Records

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