简介
by François Couture In the late '90s, free improvisation took an unexpected turn toward the extremely quiet, replacing stamina and endurance with attention to textures and microscopic details. Even though AMM pioneered the idea as early as the late '60s, the merit of developing it into an articulated form of avant-garde expression must be awarded to the Germans. Recorded in April 2001 and released just before the year came to an end, Phosphor introduces what could be almost considered a "microsound supergroup." Trumpeter Axel Dörner had become a champion of the genre by this time. Burkhard Beins (percussion) had recorded with Michael Renkel (acoustic guitar) and formed two-thirds of the trio Perlonex with Ignaz Schick (live electronics). The latter also recorded with Andrea Neumann (inside-piano) who, in turn, released a CD with Annette Krebs (guitar). Tuba player Robin Hayward had been developing his own idiosyncratic micro-language for years. This German septet was joined by Italian saxophonist Alessandro Bosetti for this two-day recording session. The eight players make very little noise, a music based on silence and tiny sounds we would consider accidental in other contexts. It requires enormous amounts of attention from the listener and surely is an acquired taste, but the rewards are plenty. Ideas bounce everywhere, caught by the other players, even though on first listen nothing seems to be really happening -- and that's what is so exciting about this music. Beins and Dörner are particularly resourceful, but most of the time the musicians' contributions defy individualization, forming one organic entity. Phosphor is bound to become a landmark CD in avant-garde music. Strongly recommended, although only for the most open-minded listeners.
