The great Andrew Cyrille's solo drums & percussion record from 1969 on BYG/Actuel.
Despite his 'youth' (he was 30) - he plays beautifully here. Strong, but without hitting hard. Subtle and quiet ideas on 'From Whence I Came', incorporating exhaled breath and vocal sounds. 'Rims and Things', suggestive in its title of it's range of sound-sources and textures. The 2 pieces opening each side are more orthodox trap kit workouts - but each with a strong sense of the progression of rhythmic and melodic ideas, and an unfailing sense of control. 'Pioneering' has Cyrille getting out some 'little instruments' - playing whistle, slide-whistle and finger cymbals in counterpoint to snare & toms. This is the only overdubbed track I think - the moving of the slide whistle plunger whilst holding the press roll would seem to preclude any other explanation on a solo recording. (I stand to be corrected by any dextrous drummers out there though..)
Cyrille has since appeared on dozens and dozens of recordings, almost all of which are inevitably enlived by his playing presence. Well over a dozen recordings have come out under his own leadership as well, since this first one came out in 1970. He was probably paid about 27 dollars for this record, and has not seen a penny since.
He has a web presence at http://www.geocities.com/amelodie1/index.html .
I'd urge buying something if you can. Not just because it's 'worthy' and indicates respect - but because it will sound GOOD !
Although this was issued - like almost all BYG/Actuel material - on an English Affinity LP, it has never been on CD to my knowledge.
Side 1
What About?
From Whence I Came
Side 2
Rhythmical Space
Rims and Things
Pioneering
Andrew Cyrille - drums & percussion, whistles
Rec. August 11, 1969
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