I have many of EP's other works, and I might be inclined to agree with some of the criticisms here in relation to most of them. Time Lapse is different. First of all, it is a highly overdubbed album with many varied textures and complex sonic fields. Most of the time he simply plays. The complexity of the pieces is more like a work of electronic music in this sense. If you are turned off by his other stuff, still, you might be turned around on this one. Zorn did an amazing job producing it. |
There's probably quite a few Evan Parker fan's on this site.Thanks for the heads up,Chashmal. |
Jazz is such a small word for so much music. This particular genre/type of Jazz isn't my thing. You should check out Jazzcorner.com where there's quite a few Evan Parker fans hanging' out! |
Jtinn: yes, it is a bit too obtuse for most people.
I think EP does something really evocative with his technique of circular breathing. When it seems he is repeating a phrase you can hear the breath subtly modulating variations that are constant unique inventions, but very delicate. This is his genius. I think there is nothing like it.
An album which is a great example of this without the overdubs is "Conic sections". Very very hard to find on vinyl, but out on CD. |
Hey thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely be checking it out and not just listening to a short clip of it either. I think you put out a fair warning when you said any fans of minimalism or free jazz would be interested. I really like Evan Parker and have quite a few of his albums. I'm looking forward to checking this one out. |
Chashmal: I certainly do not condemn you for your taste. It just is not mine. I do like some free jazz, it is just that this is a bit too free :) |
When I share music with others and hope they'll listen critically at a level deeper than mere reaction, I try to give them more than a superficial description of why I consider it meaningful to me in the first place. This is especially true when we've never met before. Just a thought... |
Mofi: There are a lot of different types of awful out there, but I bet this album isn't your garden variety. It would be interesting to hear a more in depth critique from a music lover such as yourself. If the sax comment got you then maybe you love jazz. If you love jazz then you probably love improvisation. Evan Parker is regarded as a master, whether you like it or not. I'm not recommending an unknown obscure jerk here. This is worth thinking about...if you want to. If not, don't!
Eslaudio: no one has to justify anything to me, of course. I thought it would spark an interesting discussion, that's all. No harm done. |
Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you or go against your vast opinion based knowledge of music. But by posting "one of the most shockingly brilliant albums of solo sax I have ever heard", you are opening up quite a juggernaut.
"If you don't like it, fine."
I don't like it. How would you have me state that, since you apparentely didn't like my choice of the word awful?
Okay, it's not my cup of tea either. Does that make you feel better? |
Why should others have to justify their tastes to you by rationalizing them? Are you then the arbiter of whether their reasons are sound? Stop your trolling and listen to whatever music moves you. |
Oh I know. You will all think I am a pompous ass for holding my tastes above those of the mainstream, and (god forbid) for insulting the glorious beatles. Well, before you all chime in, all I can say is that I honestly wanted to see if anyone was willing to put in the effort it takes to appreciate such a difficult and beautiful work as "Time Lapse".
If you don't like it, fine. But have the sechel to say something intelligent. Simply calling it 'awful' is primitive and retrograde schoolyard commentary. Why bother even posting at all? |
Several years ago a composer friend of mine made fun of me for being an audiophile. His premise was that people who continually think about their equipment while they listen take their attention from the inner life of the music, and thus process music superficially. Focusing on the aspect of reproduction does lend to the danger of missing the whole point. Of course, being an audiophile myself, I think one can do both, each in its proper place.
However it is astounding that so many audiophiles have such conventional sensibilities and mainstream tastes. Just look at the 50 post on the beatles! It is horrifying that people who obviously love music so much stay within such narrow confines.
It makes me wonder whether my friend had a point. |
I just listening to several clips...yeah, it's pretty...well...awful. |
Haha! Not most people's I assume... |
Not my cup of tea... sorry! |
