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Elliott Sharp: Syzygy
ByElliott Sharp
guitar, electricb.1951
The instrumentation offers a twist as welleschewing drums, Sharp populates his music with computer devices, "objects," and the theremin, an instrument comprised of two metal antennas that allows the musician, in this case Gak Sato, to control the frequency and the volume of the sounds emitted. The result is a music that is a bit Outer Limitsas though one were listening in the vacuum of space.
According to Sharp, "Syzygy defines the temporal alignment of celestial bodies within a gravitational system at one cosmic moment...." Within this "gravitational system" the musicians contribute harmonic and rhythmic impulses that keeps the music shifting (and at times revolving and rolling), not unlike passing through chambers of doors that open and close again and again. Listening to

Giancarlo Schiaffini
tromboneLike Dada, the music of Syzygy seems radical. Is Sharp questioning the nature of music, its syntax, and vocabulary? Possibly. Or is it an attempt at expressing physical notions of reality in music? Like other works of art, the resolution to these questions lies with the listener. ">
Track Listing
Syzygy (Studio Version 1); Syzygy (Studio Version 2); Syzygy (Studio Version 3); Syzygy (Studio Version 4); Syzygy (Live Version 1); Syzygy (Live Version 2); Syzygy (Live Version 3); Syzygy (Live Version 4).
Personnel
Elliott Sharp
guitar, electricElliott Sharp: guitar, computer devices; Steve Piccolo: voice, electric bass, objects; Giancarlo Schiaffini: trombone; Walter Prati: cello; Francesca Gemmo: piano; Gak Sato: theremin; Sergio Armaroli: vibraphone.
Album information
Title: Syzygy | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Dodicilune
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