At the Unity Theater

Parker, Evan/Paul Lytton
Psi Records
Jazz | Oct 2003

Reviews

Craig Matsumoto
Reviewed 2003-10-19
Abstract free improv, a 1975 reissue from a couple of greats doing sax-drum duets.

Different from many Evan Parker outings, this one has an almost industrial feel -- literally, as in the grinding and groaning of colossal machines, generating by various electronics gizmos that each player has.

Parker's music is characterized by long runs of "circular breathing:" flurries of notes played without pause for stretches of 30 minutes or more. This shows up on #4. Tracks 2 and 3 (the more "industrial" ones) focus more on overall texture, like ambient music but more dark and disturbing. Cool!

1- Some loud, ear-piercing sax wails at first .... then a fast chirping babble. Last few minutes are like forceful gospel preaching in an abstract, abrasive style.
2*- Tense, dark screeching.
3*- Sparse and bleak, with choppy sax over quiet industrial groans
4- High piercing tones.
5- Buzzy, gnarled tenor sax. Keeps a pace that's quiet but a little bit aggressive.
6*- Fast, growly, brutal

Recent airplay

Mild Steel Rivets for P.H.
Oh Messy LifeNov 23, 2003
Mild Steel Rivets for P.H.
Memory SelectNov 21, 2003
On Reflection
Memory SelectOct 24, 2003

Charting

2003-10-19 — 2003-12-21 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Nov 30 1
Nov 23 1
Oct 26 1

Track listing

1. In the Midst of Laughter ...
2. On Reflection
3. Mild Steel Rivets for P.H.
4. The Dirlston Dirler
5. Through Consensus
6. To Unity