Given the necessary discussion of 'conduction' in talking about the career of Butch Morris, and the repeated mention of conduction in obituaries of the man, it seems only fitting to add one of Morris' conduction albums to the earlier small-group post.
This one was the first one - first conduction on record, and one of the first times - if not the first - that he got up in front of an ensemble with a baton, blank-sheet-of-paper open mind and possibly a slight sense of trepidation. "Conduction No.1" as it says on the back jacket.
The results are sometimes wildly successful and at other times less absorbing in terms of musical tension - an occupational hazard of the conduction method perhaps.
Overall, it's a very worthwhile listen and Morris' ensemble largely do him proud.
Nearly didn't post this - it's been out previously in blogland I'm sure, although possibly only at low-bitrate.
Have just been made aware too, that the guys at Destination Out posted one piece off this [as well as the second side of the previous In Touch But Out of Reach]. So, looks like I can't be accused of originality of selection ! Coincidence - never mind.
This here is the entire record.
Sound Aspects - Pedro De Freitas' label - has its entire catalogue available only on the 2nd hand market these days, which is a pity. This album was issued on CD it seems - this is a vinyl rip however.
The first piece runs to a side and a half long.
Hopefully anticipating the intent of artist and producers, I have edited out the break that occurs due to the side break so that Part One is one continuous piece.
Some tasty textures and some nice tumultuous sounds. Feel free to leave a comment, and enjoy .
1. Current Trends in Racism in Modern America Part One
2. Current Trends in Racism in Modern America Part Two
Butch Morris -conductor
Frank Lowe -tenor saxophoneJohn Zorn -alto saxophone, game calls
Tom Cora -cello
Curtis Clark -piano
Brandon Ross -guitar
Zeena Parkins -harp
Eli Fountain -vibraphone
Thurman Barker -marimba, snare drum, tambourine
Christian Marclay -turntables
Yasunao Tone -voice
Recorded live at The Kitchen, NYC, 1st February 1985
Sound Aspects sas4010
1986
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