Although a Rough, Cold & Snowy Week Here at DMG during Our Final Move, It Will Not Dampen Our Spirits (while we continue to saw and paint)!

We should be open for our new visiting hours (Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 8pm) starting next Thurs, March 12th! (other times: contact in advance for possible appointment)

In the Meantime..

Our mail Order is up and running again NOW! - with great new stuff from the LAST TWO WEEKS:

Evan Parker & Ingebrit Haker-Flaten, BENGT BERGER BITTER FUNERAL BEER BAND With DON CHERRY, Aki Takase & Eugene Chadbourne Play Fats Waller, THE 13th ASSEMBLY w/ TAYLOR HO BYNUM & MARY HALVORSON, ROSCOE MITCHELL Solo,

The Return of Matt Darriau's Paradox Trio w/ Brad Shepik, Noel Akchote & Han Bennink, Steve Geraci w/ Arthur Rhames & Rashied Ali, Abdullah Ibrahim Solo Piano Disc,

2 from Borbetmagus, 2 from Faust, Paul Flaherty LP Only & Trio w/ Greg Kelley & C. Spencer Yeh, Merzbow, Oren Ambarchi & The Institute of Sunology!




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Our phones and computer lines have been switched over, but we are still assembling our cabinets and technologies; putting away stock where we can find it - and gathering our wits over recent strenuous moving activities.

The point? We are still distracted, so please try to rely on email, and not phone us - if you do phone, try not to tie us up for long. We know you understand - Thanks!

Bruce, Manny, Chuck, Joe, Doc, Sleepy, and Grumpy


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Yes! We are accepting reservations for


HENRY COW [FRED FRITH/TIM HODGKINSON/CHRIS CUTLER/GEORGIE BORN/JOHN GREAVES/LINDSAY COOPER/DAGMAR KRAUSE et al] 's

40th Anniversary Box #1 - The Road Vols 1-5: Beginnings/1974-5/Hamburg/Trondheim [5 CD Box Set + Book] (ReR HC7-11BOX; UK) Disc 1 - Beginnings; Disc 2 - 1974-5; Disc 3 - Hamburg; Discs 4 & 5 - Trondheim

and..

40th Anniversary Box #2 - The Road Vols 6-10 [4 CD + DVD Box Set + Book] (ReR HC12-16BOX; UK) Disc 1 [v6] - Stockholm & Goteburg; Disc 2 [v7] - Later And Post-Virgin; Disc 3 [v8] - Bremen; Disc 4 [v9] - Late; Disc 5 [v10; DVD] - Vevey 1976

AT 10% OFF the price at which we will sell them for when they finally are in stock [ ..and THAT AMOUNT IS STILL AN UNKNOWN - thanks to the uncommunicativeness of the US distributor..]

YOU may order only one or both boxes [if ordering both 'The Road' boxes, or only box #2, please let us know if you have previously purchased V6 "Stockholm & Goteburg", so that you will not be sent that disc and be charged proportionately less]


"My introduction to Henry Cow: 1972 was the year when it all came together for me. I entered college (Glassboro State) in September and finally found a new family of friends who were as enthusiastic as I was about music. My two favorite bands were the Mothers of Invention and Soft Machine plus I listened to as much interesting music as possible. I took a "History of Jazz" course freshman year with Manny Albam as one of my two professors. It started with Herbie Hancock ('Sextant' LP) and Miles Davis ('Bitches Brew') and then worked its way backwards through jazz's long history. I soon became a jazz fan, absorbing everything I could get my hands on. I recall hitching home for a weekend to visit my girlfriend Mindy and hanging out with an older friend named Bob Grohl [Dave's brother]. Bob had the largest collection of British import albums and singles that I've ever seen and turned me on to hundreds of obscure British rock bands through our long friendship. He played me the first Patto album, which blew my mind and said he had a present. He handed me an album and said that it was way too weird for him but that I would most likely dig it. It was Henry Cow's first album, 'Leg End' and he was right since it became one of my favorite records of all time. The first time I listened to it, I was mystified. It didn't sound like anything I had ever heard, yet I thought I heard the influence of The Mothers (circa 'Uncle Meat') and Soft Machine ('Third' & 'Four'). I played it over and over for my friends from college and home and turned many folks on to this unique gem. 1972-1974 were my favorite years for music with a number of my (still) favorite records produced then: Robert Wyatt's 'Rock Bottom' & 'Ruth is Stranger Richard', the first two Henry Cow albums & the first two Hatfield & the North albums.
It took me a long time to figure out how this music was made and what exactly I dug about those two Henry Cow records. They still remain mysterious in certain ways even today. I wrote to members of Henry Cow during the summer of 1974 and when I got back to college in September, lo & behold, I received response from Fred Frith, Chris Cutler & Tim Hodgkinson, with a letter from each. I had asked about their influences and the music they liked and received lengthy notes from Chris & Fred and concise response from Tim. My three roommates & myself read these letters over and over to learn more about these mysterious folks. Since then, I have become friends with all three and continue to look forward to all of the discs they have been involved with through the years. I asked Fred, Tim and Chris to play together for a DMG curated month at The Stone in December of 2006 for the first time since the Henry Cow days (1968-1979) and they did! We recorded all four trio sets, which will eventually be released on the DMG/ARC label, so please remain patient.
In the meantime, this Holy Grail double-collection of Henry Cow live recordings, The Road Vols 1-10, has finally been released and all we can say is, "Hallelujah!". During their recorded lifespan, Henry Cow released just six albums, five studio and one live double album ('Concerts'). It has been a couple of years since Chris Cutler mentioned that he was working on a large Henry Cow live box-set, so there has been a great deal of anticipation involved. The great news is this: this massive box-set with 9 CD's and 1 DVD is even better than anyone could've imagined. As with Soft Machine, whose personnel and sound changed/evolved on every record, Henry Cow's distinctive sound was constantly in flux. This colossal box-set, fills in the space between each of the six albums with incredible live performances from various venues in Europe throughout their history. As with any important document (box-set), it will take a while to absorb this entire 10-disc set, there is a great deal listen to and to think about. A friend of mine took an entire weekend to listen carefully to this 10-disc set and it still reeling from the immense amount of historic music and great listening involved. I am slowly listening to each disc, one at a time, so that I can consider and savor each one. One of the great things about this box is that it includes two lengthy (60 page) booklets which discuss the way these pieces develop. All members of Henry Cow get a chance to discuss their time with and ideas about the band. This helps to unravel the mystery quite a bit. There a number of both fascinating and occasionally hilarious stories told throughout. A longer version of this review will appear in our database as I review each disc. Prog(ressive) heads worldwide are now rejoicing with the release of this fabulous double box-set. Without any doubt these are the finest historic recordings of the year." - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery


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EVAN PARKER/INGEBRIGT HAKER FLATEN - The Brewery Tap (Smalltown SJ 160; EEC) Featuring Evan Parker on tenor sax & Ingebrigt Haker Flaten on double bass and recorded live at a concert at Belleville in Oslo on August the 13th, 2007. This is the first duo recording with Evan and Ingebrigt; previously they've played together in Townhouse Orchestra. You wouldn't know that from listening to this fine duo effort, it sounds like a match made in heaven. "Eroica" begins their journey with a long, flowing improv that builds, swirls and shows how well matched they are. I dig the way the tension, passion, creativity and free-flowing ideas move back and forth between the two players. It sounds like a true communion of the spirits. The further that Evan soars, the more Ingebrigt pumps and pulls those notes, buzzing and burning. When Evan finally gets to the high register Ingebrigt starts bowing, their sound is just right as they intertwine notes. There are moments when Ingebrigt's playing is absolutely brilliant, this could be his finest moment! This is a beautifully balanced and well-recorded duet that just keeps better each time I listen to it. Another treasure from the fine folks at Smalltown Super Jazz. - Bruce Lee Gallanter at Downtown Music Gallery
CD $15


BENGT BERGER BITTER FUNERAL BEER BAND With DON CHERRY et al - Live in Frankfurt 82 (Country & Eastern; Germany) Drummer Bengt Berger put together this amazing, sadly short-lived ensemble for a couple of years in the '80s [with one other currently unavailable release on ECM]. Bengt had previously played in Sweden's legendary Archemedes Badkar and this took the world music and jazz influences that the band had been heading towards with their fantastic 'Tre" release and made it even better. This includes many of the musicians that were in Badkar as well as others, including legendary trumpeter Don Cherry, all of whom play absolutely great!
This is quite an extraordinary disc and I am truly pleased to be able to offer this long lost gem to you! To any of you who own that great ECM disc, 'Bitter Funeral Beer', you already know how great that disc is. The Bitter Funeral Beer Band (BFBB) are led by Bengt Berger, who plays ko-gyil (a large funeral xylophone) and atsimevu (ewe master drum). The two special guests are Don Cherry on pocket trumpet and K. Sridhar on sarod. The twelve piece ensemble consists of five reeds, two percussionists, bass, cello violin or guitar and trumpet. Mr. Berger wrote all of the music and has done an amazing job of blending various cultures seamlessly. Besides having a cosmic repeating theme, "Darafo" features some fine cello from Matthias Hellden and superb pocket trumpet from the late, legendary trumpet hero Don Cherry. Bengt Berger's enchanting ko-gyil (African xylophone) is often at the heart of most of these pieces with different soloists coming in and adding their special spice. Sigge Krantz on guitar, K. Sridhar on sarod and Don Cherry on pocket trumpet all contribute amazing solos and interplay throughout. This music is a unique blend of various cultures, African & northern European streams combine forces to come up with something new and exciting. This music often has a mot hypnotic quality that is hard to deny. Whether you are a Don Cherry fan-addict like Manny & myself, this entire disc is an important gem well worth pursuing and owning. These discs were sent directly to us from Bengt Berger himself and will probably not last too long, so... Bruce Lee Gallanter from Downtown Music Gallery
CD $20


THE THIRTEENTH ASSEMBLY [TAYLOR HO BYNUM/MARY HALVORSON/JESSICA - (Un)sentimental (Important 231; USA) "Though each member of the 13th Assembly is acclaimed in their own right (including Taylor Ho Bynum who has worked extensively with Anthony Braxton) this group is very much a singular musical experience. The Thirteenth Assembly began as a touring collective made up of four musicians and four musically distinct small ensembles: Tomas and Taylor's duo; Mary and Jessica's duo; Taylor's trio with Mary and Tomas; and the collaborative quartet featured on this recording. The group is a microcosm of an exciting community of young New York musicians that is beginning to receive international attention, a new generation of artists comfortable referencing AACM and Morton Feldman, Otis Redding and the Melvins, yet dedicated to finding their own individual and collective voices. While each musician in the Thirteenth Assembly brings a highly varied and diverse set of influences and aesthetics to the table, the shared experiences and long friendships help create a powerfully unified ensemble sound. From the soul-inflected lyricism of Pavone's 'Hate Fields' to the driving jazz energy of Fujiwara's 'Chantal' to the distorted power chords of Halvorson's 'Pinched,' (un)sentimental traverses many stylistic paths, but the album as a whole captures a snapshot of contemporary music at its most exciting."
CD $14


ROSCOE MITCHELL - The Solo Concert [aka The Roscoe Mitchell Solo Saxophone Concerts] (AECO/Katalyst 016; USA) Originally released as an LP on Sackville in 1974; recorded at performances in Kalamazoo, MI and Montreal, QUE [1973], and Finland [1974].
"Roscoe Mitchell is a founding member of The Art Ensemble of Chicago and has only had occasional recording dates as a leader or soloist through the years. This is one of his most rewarding although listeners accustomed to full rhythm sections and conventional swinging might find this one hard to get into. Mitchell proves to be a brilliant architect of sound, frequently building up a simple idea to unimagined heights of complexity. Performing on soprano, alto, tenor and bass saxophones at the three festivals at which this music is taken from, Roscoe Mitchell demonstrates why he is considered one of the masters of avant-garde jazz. This solo set is only topped by his 1976-77 Nessa recording Nonaah [available with extra material as a 2CD set from us at DMG for $24]" - Scott Yanow, AMG
CD $14


MATT DARRIAU'S PARADOX TRIO [BRAD SHEPIK [SHOEPPACH]/RUFUS CAPPADOCIA/SEIDO SALIFOSKI] + THEODOSII SPASSOV - Gambit: Brooklyn To Bulgaria (Enja 9474; Germany) Featuring Matt Darriau on alto sax, clarinet, faux clarinet & gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe), Brad Shepik on electric guitar, Rufus Cappadocia on 5-string cello & Seido Salifoski on dumbek & percussion plus guests Theodosii Spassov on kaval & Matt Kilmer on percussion. This new gem by this old Knit-based trio (quartet actually) was recorded live in 2001 & 2002 at three locations in Bulgaria, Ontario and Mainz, Germany. Matt Darriau's Paradox Trio have three fine discs on the Knit label from the nineties, all of which are long out-of-print. This one was released in 2005 but hasn't been available domestically until now. What I have always loved about this band is that each member is integral to their unique sound and that they don't have or really need a bassist. Downtown guitar great Brad Shepik and incredible 5-string cellist, Rufus Cappadocia, often switch off between playing the bass role. Seido Salifoski's dumbek (hand drum) is the center of their sound, holding their rhythm with a hypnotic pulse. Matt Darriau has a most distinctive sound on alto sax, bending his notes in his own way. On Many of these tunes, Matt is trading lines with Theodosii Spassov on kaval, a sort of wooden flute (found in eastern Europe). Much reminds me of the exhilarating music of Ivo Papasov and his Bulgarian Wedding Band. "Maichinko" is a slow, haunting and mesmerizing piece with sublime harmonies for the sax, kaval and guitar. The kaval solo by Theodosii is particular inspired here as is Matt's touching alto solo. Matt plays gaida (bagpipe) on "Paidushko", swirling his lines around with the guitar, kaval and dumbek. Again the vibe is like the exciting music of that amazing Bulgarian wedding band. I have to admit that the Paradox Trio (er, ..quartet) remain one of downtown's best kept secrets, although they certainly do have fans in Europe and Canada. - Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
CD $16

DAVE BARGERON/MICHEL GODARD - Tuba Tuba (Enja 9133; Germany) Featuring Michel Godard & Dave Bargeron on tubas, Joe "Sunny" Barbato on accordion and Kenwood Denard on drums. This transatlantic tuba duo is a power-pack of virtuosity and wit: artistic and charming, the pair sets a new standard of 'tuba jazz'. Dave Bargeron became well known for his work with Blood Sweat & tears. His discography contains recordings with Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones and Miles Davis. Michel Godard has worked with classical groups like the Venise Baroque ensemble and Arban Chamber Brass as well as with Louis Sclavis, Anthony Braxton, and Sunny Murray. The musical spectrum of TubaTuba goes from funky brass grooves and free improvisation to beautiful melodies with a Mediterranean touch. Boy, this is certainly has unique instrumentation: two tubas with accordion and drums!?! Review as soon as we get that promo.
CD $16

AKI TAKASE With EUGENE CHADBOURNE/RUDI MAHALL/NILS WOGRAM/PAUL LOVENS/THOMAS HEBERER//FATS WALLER - Plays Fats Waller (Enja 9152; Germany) Featuring piano, toy piano & arrangements, Eugene Chadbourne on banjo, guitar & vocals, Rudi Mahall on bass clarinet, Thomas Heberer on trumpet, Nils Wogram on trombone and Paul Lovens on drums. Although this righteous delight came out in Europe in 2004, this is the first time it has been available here. Aki Takase never ceases to surprise us with the variety different projects she is involved in. She has different duos with Alex Von Schlppenbach, David Murray, Rudi Mahall & Silke Eberhard) to trios with Sunny Murray & Reggie Workman to a couple of quintets with Rudi Mahall, Tobias Delius & Tristan Honsinger.
For this project, Aki has organized a unique all-star sextet with members from varied different backgrounds, with each member bringing a different set of experiences. Fat Waller was a gifted pianist, master of stride piano and mostly known for the hundreds of songs he wrote in the 1920's and '30's. This quintet covers a number of his most popular songs like "Ain't Misbehain'" and "Your Feet's Too Big". Ms. Takase also wrote of a half dozen of these tributes to Fats. Starting with "Lookin' Good, But Feelin' Bad", Eugene's hilarious singing is just too much with fun-filled solos by Rudi on bass clarinet and Thomas on trumpet. On pieces like "Vipers Drag" the sextet plays the intro freely but still breaks into the infectious melody with gleefull reverence. Aki does a consistently fine job of rearranging these tunes but turning some of the melodies inside out. Dr. Chadbourne does great, silly version "Ain't Misbehavin'" complete with a Louie Armstrong-like aside. There are a couple of extraordinary duets with Aki and Rudi like Fats' "Handful of Keys" which goes through a few different difficult, yet exuberant sections. Aki's own songs are also swell and in the Fats style, perhaps with a bit more twists and turns. In these dark times, this music helps us to smile and even laugh at the absurdity of life around us. Think about it, most of these songs were written during the last big depression in the '20's and they sound just as relevant today nearly a century later. Soothe yourself with the touching, tasty and heart-warming song of Fats Waller. - Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
CD $16


STEVE GERACI With ARTHUR RHAMES/JOHN STUBBLEFIELD/JOHN ESPOSITO/RASHIED ALI et al - Aliqae Song (Sunjump CD 06; USA) Previously unreleased, 1980 NYC; Reconstructed from cassette masters. Featuring: Steve Geraci, Guitar; Arthur Rhames, Alto Saxophone; John Stubblefield, Flute, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones; John Esposito, Piano; Charlie Knicely, Bass; Jeff Siegel, Drums; Rashied Ali, Drums; Frederick Berryhill, Percussion and Kit Potter, Vocals. John Esposito's Sunjump label has a talent for unearthing long lost sessions that shouldn't be forgotten about. I hadn't heard of guitarist Steve Geraci before this disc, although with names like Arthur Rhames, Rashied Ali and John Stubberfield, this certainly is an historic date. The opening track, "Aliqae Song" was named after the birth of Steve's daughter, Aliqae. The melody is sunny and reminds me of the "There is a Mountain" riff &by Donavon) that Allman Bros. borrowed for their "Mountain Jam". Mr. Esposito plays a lovely piano interlude with some inspired sax solos from John Stubberfield and the legendary & under-recorded Arthur Rhames who died way before his time. I dig the infectious hard swinging groove on "Main St. Stroll" which features some fine solos from Rhames, Geraci, Stubberfield and Esposito. Bassist Charlie Knicely is another new name for me and he plays superbly throughout on his (fretless?) electric bass, slipping & sliding and providing perfect support always. The late Arthur Rhames can only be found on a few discs that are in print presently. All of his solos on this disc are wonderful and filled with that great slow burning Trane-like power that he was the master of. The one question that remains is this, what has become of the leader here, Steve Geraci, who also plays inventively on each piece of this fine disc? One again the great Sunjump label has released a long lost treasure that you shouldn't be without. - Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
CD $14


ABDULLAH IBRAHIM - Senzo: Solo Piano (Intuition/Sunnyside; USA) Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim's playing has been the sound of South African jazz for over fifty years. His work, reflecting the cultural gifts of his homeland, survived the turmoil of Apartheid and his escape to a new life in Europe. Ibrahim has always celebrated his heritage and influences in performance. Senzo documents a recent solo performance showcasing Ibrahim's unique abilities to engage audiences and communicate fully his facilities of technique and breadth of musical knowledge.
CD $16


NOEL AKCHOTE With HAN BENNINK/KEVIN BLECHDOM et al - Toi-Meme (W&W 146; Germany) A journey of discovery, from John Giorno's fiery spoken-word eulogy 'Thanx 4 Nothing' to duos featuring Jean-Louis Costes and Han Bennink. Featuring: Noel Akchote (electric guitars); Han Bennink (drums); Kevin Blechdom (vocals, piano, banjo, jaw harp); Jean-Louis Costes (vocals, piano); John Giorno (voice, poetry); Brad Jones (double bass); Otto Lechner (accordion); Fritz Ostermayer (vocals, laptop, electronics); Red (vocals, electric guitar); Sebastian Reier (turntables); Andrew Sharpley (vocals, keyboards, sampler); Laetitia Sheriff (vocals, baritone guitar, e-bass). Both Winter & Winter and Noel Akchote seem to love concept records, hence we have another odd one here.
Noel Akchote directed this strange yet wonderful disc. The personnel changes on each piece and different musicians contributed to the writing: Otto Lechner (from Accordion Tribe), Kevin Blechdom, Jean-Louis Costes, John Giorno & Laetitia Sheriff. There are also a couple of covers by Daniel Johnston and Marvin Gaye?!? Commencing with the introduction which is mostly various folks sitting around a table talking, laughing, eating and drinking with some charming accordion added. This intro fades into an enchanting version of Daniel Johnston's "True Love Will Find You in the End" with layers of goofy voices, cheesy percussion and other quaint sounds. Ms. Blechdom sings and plays piano on "Please Please Please" which is a ridiculous/hilarious Broadway-like show tune with lyrics that might just offend someone with no sense of humor. Otto Lechner contributes a softly swinging gem called "Coming from the South" which is a trio of accordion (Otto), acoustic bass (Brad Jones) and mostly brushes (Han Bennink). Jean-Louis Costes adds two mean show tunes, which I would love to know what he is singing about (in French). Another charming song is by Laetitia Sheriff, sung in English as a duo of acoustic bass, baritone guitar and voice. It kinda reminds me of PJ Harvey. The swell trio of Noel Akchote (el. guitar), Brad Jones & Han Bennink, play an intense swirling, free trio which separates the silly from the serious sections. John Giorno's "Thanx for Nothing" seems like an odd poem to recite here but it works since it says thanks to and makes fun of everything that is not sacred. Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" also seems like an odd choice yet the stripped down version for just voice, acoustic bass and percussion works on a more subtle level. Kev Blechdom does a medley of her sly and silly songs with a discussion about masturbation thrown in. Blechdom is just too much. Although it will take some time to figure out the central theme, I did find this disc to be rather charming and twisted in its own unique way. - Bruce Lee Gallanter from Downtown Music Gallery
CD $17


First time on CD for these two classic noisejams!

BORBETOMAGUS [DONALD MILLER/DON DIETRICH/JIM SAUTER] - Borbetomagus A Go Go (Agaric 1997; USA) Jim Sauter and Don Dietrich on saxophones and Donald Miller on guitar. Track titles include "We Were Done With The Judgment Of God Last Week" and "Gestapo She Wolf Barbie." "Live show at Pezner in France from 1998. Killer.
CD $15

BORBETOMAGUS [DONALD MILLER/DON DIETRICH/JIM SAUTER] - Snuff Jazz (Agaric 1988; USA) Reissue of Snuff Jazz, a vicious installment originally released on LP in 1990, with one previously unreleased track and an untitled track previously released on COS tapes in 1990. Jim Sauter and Don Dietrich on saxophones, Donald Miller on guitar. "The first three selections were recorded at the art gallery and performance space ABC No Rio in New York's lower Lower East Side on November 24, 1988. The occasion for the concert was the opening night of an exhibition of paintings by Carl George and Valerie Caris. The fourth selection was recorded at DC Space, in Washington, DC on August 25,1989." "It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years since my ass warmed a bench in the dungeon at ABC No Rio. Back in the day, it was dicey on the streets of the dank and decaying Lower East Side, streets riddled with drug dealers and abandoned buildings. A couple of drinks at the opening, and it was high time for a good aural irrigation. The boys gently ascended to their cruising altitude, and the sonic bursts pierced the damp masonry walls and every human eardrum in reach. The fans drooled, and the uninitiated, like the soccer players of Chernobyl, stared in awe of this enfolding, life-threatening disaster and grit-crunching ass-kick machine. The dogs were howling this night! Remove all other living critters from the house, pour yourself a double single-malt scotch, turn the volume of your stereo to twelve, and enjoy as your ears are acid-etched." -- Michael Hanke
CD $15


FAUST - C'est Com.. Com.. Complique (Bureau B 21; Germany) The Bureau B label breaks into new territory and presents a newly-recorded album by Krautrock legends, Faust. "There is no group more mythical than Faust." Thus wrote English musician and eccentric Julian Cope in his classic of the genre, Krautrocksampler. Which says it all really -- neither the habitus nor the music of the six-piece Hamburg group is easy to grasp. Formed in Hamburg in 1970, some lauded Faust as the best thing that ever happened to rock, others dismissed them as shameless dilettantes. Their collage of Dadaism, avant-garde rock and free improvisation radically divided opinion. Their legend was built on the fact that, in the early days, they addressed the media through their producer and manager Uwe Nettelbeck. Precious little was known about the musicians themselves. When the first LP was unleashed on the world in 1971, Faust were very much the prophets in their own land, as the saying goes: few were interested in listening to their music -- in Germany. Not so across the Channel: this is where Faust's career really kick-started. These monoliths of avant-garde rock sold a phenomenal 100,000 copies of their third album The Faust Tapes, one of the first releases on the Virgin label, then in its infancy. Now that Krautrock has been revived, Faust have become one of the biggest names to drop, worldwide. Their concerts in the USA, Middle East, Japan and Europe invariably sell out. Almost 40 years since they began, Faust are issuing a brand new studio album. Original members Jean-Herve Peron and Werner "Zappi" Diermaier were joined in the Electric Avenue studio by Amaury Cambuzat (from the French post-rock combo Ulan Bator). Star indie producer Tobias Levin recorded. The results sound fantastic! Typically Dadaist lyrics (mostly in French) accompany repetitive, sporadically overflowing patterns. Faust's music combines seemingly contradictory elements: it rages, yet is gentle; it is monotonous yet melodic, earthy and still ethereal. Safe to say, it is unique. The Bureau B label have previously concentrated on re-releases and compilations, but presented with the opportunity of releasing new works by Krautrock gods Faust, the only possible outcome was to say YES.
CD $17

FAUST - Schiphorst 2008 [2 CD set] (Salamanda 01; UK) This release documents Krautrock legends Faust live before an audience of friends, fellow artists and fans from all over Europe at 2008's Avant Garde Festival -- held quite literally in co-founder Jean-Herve Peron's back yard in Schiphorst, Germany. A friendly audience yes, but one not easily impressed. Faust did not disappoint... from the spontaneous vocal improvisation during the soundcheck (preserved here as track 1), through the walk-about serenading of Peron's beloved pig with a firework backing, painting and power-tools amongst the crowd, to the blistering performance of the anthemic "Krautrock," this soon joined the list of legendary shows for this most legendary of bands. For those not fortunate enough to have been present, this 2CD package, housed in an LP-style gatefold sleeve complete with inner sleeves and lavishly illustrated with photos from the weekend, is the next best thing. As a bonus, and continuing the theme of collaboration from the Faust & Nurse With Wound, Disconnected (DPROM 061LP) and Andrew Liles & Jean-Herve Peron, Fini! (DPROM 062CD) releases, the last track exclusively presents the finale of Nurse With Wound's festival set, featuring Jean-Herve Peron and Steven Stapleton dueting on "Rock And Roll Session."
2 CD set for $20


PAUL FLAHERTY - Aria Nativa (Family Vineyard 57; USA) 'Aria Nativa' is more than Paul Flaherty's third solo saxophone album; it merges rhapsodic avant garde music, patriotic dream verse, and mortality into a frighteningly pure work of audio, visual and literary sledge. Recorded during a pair of 2007 performances, its four pieces capture lifeblood in stunning detail from foot stomps to gut hollers and crowd roars as Flaherty's free power blues dips into the well of wretchedness yet raises with fists of mirth. It's the sort of record that splays naked the artist for all: equal parts wise ass and universal vision.
From his early 1970's woodshedding through a dozen plus albums each with drum buddies Randall Colburne and Chris Corsano, and collaborators Bill Nace, Wally Shoup and Sunburned Man of the Hand, Flaherty remains a total wildcat -- on and off the alto/tenor horns. For this LP his massive tonal craft is equally matched by Ken Hill's gorgeous cover shot of a snow blown grave and "No More America" -- Ken DelPonte's epic poem that spans nearly five decades and fills the back jacket, framing the atmosphere the music was recorded under.
"Fearsome/fearless solo sax improvisations. In the lineage of John Coltrane's "Chasing The Train", Flaherty starts with one melodic idea, and chases it at maximum speed, wherever it seem to lead him, channeling body and soul into his lines. It's thunderous, passionate, declamatory. Such commitment from the performer deserves a similar level of engagement from the listener. It's more or less an ethical issue -- when listening to this, it feels wrong to be doing anything other than just listening." -- The Wire
LP $17


C. SPENCER YEH With PAUL FLAHERTY & GREG KELLEY - New York Nuts And Boston Beans (Important 195; USA) "Violinist/vocalist C Spencer Yeh & unrivaled saxophone elder-titan Paul Flaherty team up without the assistance of acclaimed drummer Chris Corsano for the first time. Along for the jamz is bonkers Boston trumpeter Greg Kelley. After performing numerous times and honing a distinct group dynamic as a trio over many years with celebrated percussionist Chris Corsano, Yeh and Flaherty decided to try it out one-on-one. The record comprises of the best from two live sets from a short duo tour in the Northeast -- at the celebrated venue Issue Project Room in Brooklyn, and Nom D'Artiste in Boston. With minimal editing, this is the sound of two people tearing at the limits of their instruments, these iconic configurations of metal and wood; hurling their respective accumulated life experience into one another, exposed and raw. The duo is likely one of the most dangerous configurations for people to interact within, musical or otherwise. Greg Kelley on trumpet is added to the mix and the results mutate into an even more mysterious form -- the trumpet is indistinguishable from the vocals; the saxophone creaks so the voice doesn't have to."
CD $14

MERZBOW [MASAMI AKITA] - Fukurou: 13 Japanese Birds Pt. 2 (Important 233; USA) "Volume two of Merzbow's 13 Japanese Birds series. Limited edition of 1000. Merzbow's 13 Japanese Birds is a 13 month series of releases inspired by Olivier Messaien's Catalogue D'Oiseaux. Beginning in January 2009 one volume of 13 Japanese Birds will be released each month. The 13th and final volume will be released January 2010.
CD $14


OREN AMBARCHI - Stacte.3 (Black Truffle 01; Australia) Originally released in 2000 on Plate Lunch as a limited-edition, vinyl-only album, Stacte.3 is now available on CD for the first time. Described by Wire scribe Jon Dale as "Alvin Lucier and Cluster collaborating for Mego," the concept of Oren Ambarchi's Stacte LP series -- now comprised of five volumes -- began in 1998. The first few Stacte LPs were self-released by Ambarchi and featured his earliest explorations of the guitar and its sonic possibilities after a period when he was known as a drummer in post-punk, noise and free jazz outfits. An idea was explored and investigated at length using a spontaneous approach, with Ambarchi treating each side of the vinyl like a canvas, slowly capturing a moment, patiently teasing every nuance and implication from each texture. His method allowed the listener to sink their teeth into something substantial over the course of the LP side's entire duration, resulting in an otherworldly, cumulative impact of patiently-unfolding compositions. The Stacte.3 release (especially the LP's second side), was a breakthrough for Ambarchi, and it defined the parameters for his subsequent projects such as 2001's Suspension and Grapes from the Estate from 2004, both released on the legendary UK label, Touch. Stacte.3 is an early glimpse of Ambarchi at his most raw and minimal, and it's a fascinating, integral listen in his catalog of sound works. Remastered in December 2008, with artwork designed by Stephen O'Malley.
CD $16

OREN AMBARCHI - Persona (Black Truffle 02; Australia) Originally released on ERS in 2000 as a limited-edition (300 copies), vinyl-only release, Oren Ambarchi's Persona is now available on CD for the first time. Persona was recorded in February 2000, just a week after the Afternoon Tea collaboration with Fennesz, Pimmon, Peter Rehberg and Keith Rowe. Utilizing a raw and spontaneous approach like the Stacte series of solo releases, Ambarchi recorded the pieces on Persona at home in a day, using only his guitar, a handful of effect pedals, and a boombox as a monitor(!). Considered to be a "sister" release to Ambarchi's acclaimed Suspension album on Touch, the material on Persona was only heard by a handful of listeners. From the late '90s, his experiments in guitar abstraction and extended technique led to a more personal and unique soundworld and Persona was an early document of this direction. Here, the pieces are hesitant and tense extended songforms located in the cracks between several schools: modern electronics and processing; laminal improvisation and minimalism; and hushed, pensive songwriting. It recalls the deceptive simplicity and temporal suspensions of composers such as Morton Feldman and Alvin Lucier, and the physicality of rock music, stripped back to its bare bones, abstracted and replaced with pure signal. Remastered in December 2008, with artwork designed by Stephen O'Malley.
CD $16


EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC OF JAPAN: HARUYUKI SUZUKI - Vol 2: Electronic Works Vol. 1 (Omega Point OPX 2; Japan) This is the second release in Edition Omega Point's Experimental Music of Japan series, featuring the work of Tokyo composer Haruyuki Suzuki (b. 1962). This CD includes four of Suzuki's electronic works -- the oldest piece, "Concret II," was composed in 1985, and is an experiment in sound and noise. The triptych "Go And Back" series composed in 1996, are like versions of the same screenprinting, but made in different colors. While the MIDI data that comprises the structure of the pieces is the same, the varying sound materials used to augment the versions are different. Influenced by Luc Ferrari, Suzuki began composing electronic music using CD-J players in 2005, and "Circuit II," composed in 2006, uses two CD-J players. "Bustling For Luc," composed in 2007 was also inspired by Ferrari, and heavily influenced by the work of American experimental musicians, most particularly James Tenney. The only sounds used here are systematically transformed tidbits of environmental sound recordings of the busy quarters of Tokyo. Haruyuki Suzuki is a mostly self-taught composer. He helped establish the composer's group Tempus Novum in 1991, along with, among others, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Yoshifumi Tanaka and Hiroshi Yokoshima. He has collaborated with visual and film artists, and has organized lectures and concerts by James Tenney (2001) and Luc Ferrari (2002/2003). Housed in a specially-designed cardboard paper gatefold sleeve, with newly-written liner notes in Japanese & English by Haruyuki Suzuki himself. Limited edition of 300 copies.
CD $24

EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC OF JAPAN: ADACHI TOMOMI - Vol 3: Early Works & Live 1994-1996 (Omega Point OPX 3; Japan) This is the third release in Edition Omega Point's Experimental Music of Japan series, featuring the work of Japanese performer/composer Tomomi Adachi. Known for his versatile style, he has performed solo improvisations with voice, computer, sensor systems and self-made instruments, and also is active in the field of theater music, installation and video. This is a collection of his early recordings, just after starting his career in 1994. Almost all tracks were performed as improvisations without any overdubbings or edits. Tracks 1-7 are recordings of a performance at a private Mount Akagi venue. Track 6 is based on the first example of Japanese sound poetry published in Japanese Dadaist magazine MAVO, written by Futurist painter Hide Kinoshita in 1924. Track 7 is a reading from a newspaper, tracks 8-11 are from Adachi's first tape release in 1994, and tracks 12-15 are from his second released tape in 1995. Tomomi Adachi has presented his works in various venues in Japan, the United States and Europe, including the Centre Pompidou (Paris), STEIM (Amsterdam) and Experimental Intermedia (NY). He directed the Japanese premiere of John Cage's Europera 5 in 2007, and as the only Japanese performer of sound poetry, he performed Kurt Schwitters' Ursonate for its Japanese premiere in 1996. Housed in a specially-designed cardboard paper gatefold sleeve, including newly-written liner notes in Japanese & English by Tomomi Adachi. Limited edition of 300 copies.
CD $24

B J NILSEN & STILLUPPSTEYPA - Man From Deep River (Editions Mego 07; EEC) A collaborative release between Icelandic experimental duo Stilluppsteypa (Sigtryggur Berg Sigmarsson and Helgi Thorsson) and Sweden-born BJNilsen. Based on a found tape from 1975 which served as guidance for the compositions, Man From Deep River opens up a new development in these artists' sound. Melodic passages with sweeping electronics and analog synthesizers mix with field recordings and disturbed voices, creating a multifaceted piece. BJNilsen defines his work as "focused upon the sound of nature and its effects on humans, and the perception of time and space as experienced through sound." He has numerous recordings on Touch and has collaborated with the likes of Chris Watson, Christian Fennesz, and Z'ev. Stilluppsteypa's electronic abstractions engage absurd theatrics that mar the pristine surface of minimalism. These lovable Nordic heroes are back with more intense listening and shining, isolationist compositions. Man From Deep River quickly develops between two lonely, desperate individuals, and the savage natives around him who turn against their own mountain god. This "illness" is caused by several deeply depressing circumstances and by the intense difficulty of other sickening situations. The musical expression of this story is described by Stilluppsteypa as "an environment of high tension, but also with moments of temporary insanity and auditory hallucinations."
CD $16


BLACK FLOWERS - I Grew From A Stone To A Statue (Bo Weavil 34; UK) This is the first release by UK percussionist/singer Alex Neilson under his Black Flowers moniker. Founding mind-bending projects as Directing Hand and Scatter, playing with artists such as Will Oldham and Current 93, collaborating with Richard Youngs and Alastair Galbraith, and performing live with Jandek as a percussionist for all of his Glasgow appearances, I Grew From A Stone To A Statue is a musical log of his peripatetic travels through the musical landscape -- a summation to date of his musical praxis and a vertiginous launch pad into a number of possible futures. Joining him are a number of fellow travellers who share his love of song and a restless frustration with the limits imposed by that or any other form. Lavinia Blackwall, whose fearless improvised vocals have electrified other of Alex's projects, Trembling Bells and Directing Hand, also plays harp, psaltery and organ. Michael Flower plays guitar, never sounding more like the Leeds Takashi Mizutani than he does here. Possibly straying furthest from familiar territory is Glaswegian singer/songwriter Alasdair Roberts, who also plays guitar and shares vocals with Lavinia on the traditional "Polly On The Shore." The music they create frequently wrongfoots the listener with folk and rock references before tearing down with iconoclastic fervor all the associations of those song-based, narrative-driven, vocal-centered forms. What is left when that scaffolding is removed is music that is infinitely expansive and joyous in its freedom. The songs do have a narrative, but one that moves upwards and backwards as well as forwards, with a use of three-dimensional sonic space that doesn't figure in the rulebooks of those megalithic modes. Not only space but time becomes a fluid and malleable concept, as it always has been in the hands of those drummers good enough and free enough in style and mind to break through it.
CD $17


THE INSTITUTE FOR SONOLOGY [V.A.] - Early Electronic Music 1959-69 (Sub Rosa 164; Belgium) Re-release of this classic Sub Rosa historical electronic music release, originally released in 2001. This is a collection of electronic works composed between 1959 and 1969 at the Institute for Sonology in Utrecht, Holland. Once again, Sub Rosa offers a chance to reflect upon a rare lineage of electronic music's origins, a revolution of the fifties and sixties when an art form was emerging without a base -- ex nihilo -- a new music produced by machines designed to construct the new. Utrecht University's large complex of studios that comprised the Philips laboratories housed an extensive collection of early electronic instruments and tapes. The Institute for Sonology was officially established in 1960, its founding instigated by academic and cultural initiatives in the field of electroacoustic music that had already begun years before -- among them, Edgar Varese's construction of his famous "Poeme Electronique," presented at the Philips Pavillon at the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels. Comprised of the most basic components -- oscillators, filters, and tapes -- listening to these songs today offers rare insight into an important period in early electronic music, a cross section of primitivism and futurism. This collection features work by early Dutch electronic music pioneers Dick Raaymakers, Frits Weiland, Ton Bruynel, Konrad Boehmer, Gottfried Michael Koenig and Rainer Riehn.
CD $16


LOCAL CUSTOMS [V.A.] - Downriver Revival [CD + DVD] (Numero 26; USA) "Between 1967 and 1981 Detroit's downriver neighbor Ecorse, MI had its very own Moe Asch. Set up in a basement on 18th Avenue, Felton Williams chronicled the musical lives of Ecorse's citizens and issued them on the Solid Rock, Compose, and Revival labels. Compiled here are 24 of Williams' most fascinating recordings, covering gospel, group soul, garage-punk, northern, jazz, and funk. Also included is a DVD of the over 200 sound recordings pulled from his archives and a 30 minute featurette on the making of Downriver Revival." 24-page booklet with rare photos and detailed liner notes.
CD+DVD For $20


DEATH - ..For the Whole World to See (Drag City 387; USA) "Their time in the studio was overseen by engineer Jim Vitti, whose work with Parliament/ Funkadelic seems to have informed his decision to record Death in raw fashion with little polish, showcasing the organic power relationships within the trio. The songs recorded there make up ..For the Whole World to See, which today blasts from the speakers as a fresh and inspired early entry in the category of punk rock. Death had a single pressed, Politicians In My Eyes b/w Keep On Knocking, selling them at their shows and on the street. Things weren't really going anywhere when they heard from Columbia Records' president Clive Davis. He was interested, but he had one demand -- they'd have to change their name. David, acting as the band's leader, would have no part of it, a decision that ultimately brought an end to Death. Moving to New England, David, Bobby and Dannis reconnected with their faith, forming the Christian rock-n-roll band The 4th Movement, whose self-released early-80s album joined Death's 45 as a sought-after obscurity for the next generation. 2009 is the time that Death is finally here ...For The Whole World to See. ...For The Whole World to See is the first full-length release EVER for the band called Death -- with only one 7" single to their name, and that usually goes for about a grand per. That's $1000! For those who do have the single, the remastered sound here will break you up."
CD $14


DIED PRETTY - Free Dirt [2 CD Set] (Aztec 41; Australia) "Died Pretty's magnificent 1986 debut LP: Free Dirt is one of the all time classic Australian albums. It followed 3 excellent singles / EPs and signaled the arrival of what would become of our most loved bands over their celebrated 18 year career. Collected here, for the first time, are Died Pretty's first five releases: the Out Of The Unknown and Mirror Blues singles, the Next To Nothing EP, the Free Dirt album and the Stoneage Cinderella single. Plus an additional 10 bonus tracks -- including previously unreleased demos, a live-to-air radio performance from 1986 and other live rarities. This deluxe 2CD version is packaged in an 8 panel digipak, with a 28-page booklet containing many previously unpublished photos. It has been digitally remastered from the original master tapes."
2 CD set for $26


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