Free Improv That Is Truly Free

Too much “free” improvisation is anything but. Often it is restricted by attempts to reject all the traditional musical constituents: melody, harmony, groove, listening, dynamics, etc. The result is a cacophonic performance that starts nowhere, goes nowhere, and ends nowhere.

This January 12, 2012 performance by Didier Petit (cello), Andrea Parkins (accordion, electronics), Hans Tammen (prepared guitar, electronics), and Edward Perraud (drums, percussion) represents the best of what free music can be, as it ranges from soft to loud, noise to melody, texture to groove, unafraid of any musical element, be it melodic, atonal, beautiful, ugly, humorous or otherwise. Excellently shot and recorded, kudos are in order for all involved.


A l’improviste – Quartet Petit / Parkins /… by francemusique

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