the art of improvised music
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nuscope 1001 to 1006 The following were the first six releases for nuscope recordings:
nuscope CD 1001 Passing Waves
Passing Waves, which was recorded in Chicago in 1997, is pianist Fred Van Hove’s first solo piano release made available to the general public in over 10 years. This disc displays the sweeping majesty and astounding pianistic invention and virtuosity of this underrated Belgian pianist. In his liner notes, long-time Van Hove fan Georg Graewe states, "...what sets him far apart from most pianists in improvised music is his fine, elegant touch and his overall ability to make the piano sound. His command of such maestro techniques as tremolo, glissando, and repetition has never failed to take my breath away." In his web page article, Glenn Astarita of All About Jazz states, "Fred Van Hove may stand as the preeminant exponent of modern piano improvisation on this planet. His skills are exemplary and his execution of ideas indicates revolutionary concepts. Passing Waves is a landmark recording." Bruce Carnevale—1998 Top 10—Jazziz Magazine This release features a 12-page booklet with notes by Van Hove and Graewe, photos by Dagmar Gebers, and cover sculpture art by the highly-esteemed Cy Twombly. nuscope CD 1002 Subsymbolism
According to well-known jazz journalist Bill Shoemaker, "What is initially striking about Subsymbolism is its programmatic cohesiveness. Pieces ebb and flow effortlessly into each other; strands of color and texture weave through the program, creating new contrasts along the way. Subsymbolism is such a well-constructed album of improvised music." According to Richard Cook in The Wire, "This is particularly edgy improvising...notably fine." In Signal to Noise magazine, Jon Morgan says "This trio has created a vivid document that never ceases to surprise, as the unknown lingers just around the corner..." In Pulse!, Art Lange calls the disc "Provocative music from a new label down in Dallas." Provocative indeed. This release features a 16-page booklet with extensive liner notes from Bill Shoemaker, various photos, and cover ceramics art by the multi-talented Marcio Mattos. nuscope CD 1003 GUDIRA
This is a unique trio that came together to perform during the duMaurier International Jazz Festival Vancouver in 1997. This disc documents a studio recording of this trio, which features Barry Guy on bass, Robert Dick on flutes, and Vancouver resident Randy Raine-Reusch on world zither instruments, aerophones, and percussion. According to Francesco Martinelli’s liner notes, "The name of the trio, Gudira, created with the first letters of the musicians’ names, is mysterious and evocative enough for a music that situates itself in a space beyond traditions, defined only by the communicative powers of the participants." In Jazziz Magazine, Bruce Carnevale states, "Indeed, throughout the recording, the sound is rich in tiny nuances, all the little fleeting sounds that rest between Western scales. A tone feast for the ears." This release features a 16-page booklet with notes by Italian journalist Francesco Martinelli, various photos, and cover art by the underrated Mary Vernon. nuscope CD 1004 Light's View
Light’s View is an illuminating release featuring saxophonist John Butcher and pianist Georg Graewe. This duo disc, recorded at the prestigious Akademie der Künste in Berlin in March of 1998, demonstrates music that effectively culminates years of a fine musical partnership. This disc is certain to amaze fans of both musicians and those interested in the art of the improvising duo. In his liner notes, Marc Chénard says, "...the listener is called upon to be taken in by shimmering moments of quick fire intensity, or to revel in the precision of spacious single tones sculpted with all of the precision of a Webernian Bagatelle." According to Steven A. Lowery in Cadence Magazine, "Together, Messers. Butcher and Graewe have produced a minor masterpiece: Miniatures on parade, a nod to possibilities, and Music of the Moment. Who Could Ask for Anything More?" This release features a 16-page booklet with extensive liner notes from noted Montreal journalist Marc Chénard, various photos, and cover installation art by the well-respected English artist Richard Wilson. nuscope CD 1005 Hornets Collage
All three musicians composed for this disc, and also collectively contributed to five well-structured improvisations. The material veers from lyrical to pointillist and everything in between. Even with this diversity, the musicians on this session developed such a rapport that their sound is as coherent as any long-established ensemble. According to Glenn Astarita of the All About Jazz web site, "Overall, Hornets Collage is lyrical, enduring, spacious yet subtly captivating as the trio pursue layered themes and sweet-tempered choruses while the music breathes life and conjures up vivid imagery proportionate to an impressionist painter of landscapes or dreams." This release features a 8-page booklet with notes by the well-respected journalist Jon Morgan. nuscope CD 1006 Impressions of Monk
This disc exposes Monk’s music as it has never been heard before, as the trio explores new colors, forms, and ideas inside of the already brilliant compositions. Among the 13 tracks on the disc are 10 riveting and witty trio pieces, and 3 solo pieces featuring Georg Graewe. In the September issue of Downbeat, Impressions of Monk was placed in the magazine's "Hot Box," and came out a winner--receiving the highest rating of its three competitors, including a new CD by the great Sam Rivers. According to lead reviewer John Ephland, "Like Ellington, Monk's music has been done to death. Once in a blue moon, we get a fresh take that helps us revisit a lovely musical giant. In the meantime, we also get better acquainted with three great contemporaries hard at work." The trio’s all-improvised release, Subsymbolism (nuscope CD 1002), garnered international acclaim; this disc should do the same for an even wider audience. This release features a 8-page booklet with liner notes from noted Montreal journalist Marc Chénard. |
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Fred Van Hove
Graewe/Mattos/Vatcher
Guy / Dick / Raine-Reusch
John Butcher / Georg Graewe
Fields / Houle / Roebke
Graewe / Mattos / Vatcher