Evan Parker has performed in so many contexts, but he seems to have hit a particular stride with his Electro-Acoustic Ensemble, a strange combination of saxophones, strings, and electronics. What makes this so exceedingly attractive is the continuous wonder that permeates throughout. Parker is no means the standout performer; his soprano and tenor sometimes meld, at others lead, but it is his remarkable companions, Philipp Wachsmann (on violin, viola, and electronics), Barry Guy (on acoustic bass), Paul Lytton (on percussion and electronics), plus three very different electronic sound manipulators, Lawrence Casserly, Walter Prati, and Marco Vecchi, who combine to produce some electrifying and starkly delightful music. Parker fans that have not heard this group before may be surprised at the results. Although the saxophonist embraces his now well-known advanced techniques, they are clearly subordinate to the project. At times there is a busy intensity to it all, at others a serene quality. Highly complex strokes for an increasingly intricate society, perhaps, where moods change and so do their contexts. Don't file under easy listening. - Steve Loewy
Tracks
01. The Crooner (Evan Parker/Philipp Wachsmann)
02. Serpent in Sky (Evan Parker)
03. Travel in the Homeland (Paul Lytton)
04. Spouting Bowl (Lawrence Casserley)
05. Collect Calls
06. Aka Lotan (Evan Parker/Philipp Wachsmann)
07. Reanascreena (Barry Guy)
08. At Home in the Universe (Evan Parker)
09. Writing on Ice (Philipp Wachsmann)
10. Phloy in the Frame (Paul Lytton/Evan Parker)
11. DrawnInward (Evan Parker)
BARRY GUY double bass
PAUL LYTTON percussion, live electronics
EVAN PARKER tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, khène
PHILIPP WACHSMANN violin, viola, live electronics, sound processing
LAWRENCE CASSERLEY live electronics, sound processing
MARCO VECCHI live electronics, sound processing
WALTER PRATI live electronics, sound processing
Recorded December 1998 at Gateway Studio, Kingston
ECM Records - ECM 1693