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Steve Tibbetts: A Man About a Horse
Tibbetts recorded this album just before he went in for surgery on his hand. While cleaning his gutters at home, he was attacked by a swarm of wasps; he lost his balance on the ladder and fell breaking his hand. As unfortunate as that should be for a guitarist, Tibbetts viewed this as an opportunity. Before the surgery, he laid down hours of guitar work. He then mixed and dissected everything using computers. While this makes the album sound beautiful, it leaves one feeling a little cold. Some of the rough edges you expect from a jazz musician were gone. The first tracks all seem to bleed into one another and none of the songs take on a distinct personality. Then, after his "Temple trilogy," we hear "Glass Everywhere". The feel of the album changes from mesmerizing to a sense of urgency. He seems to enunciate his guitar playing more on this track. Following that we have "Lochana" and "Chandoha" which really up the ante and allow Tibbetts to break free from the previous tracks monotonous beauty. The overall sound stays the same, but the less is more theory comes into affect. Both tracks find Tibbetts exploding his guitar onto the, up until now, serene work. "Chandoha" is truly a free track with Tibbetts guitar running wild throughout. Tibbetts then brings us back to the tranquil and serene with the beautiful album ending "Koshala".
Each track seems to be entrenched in world music, yet Tibbetts still adds some spark and fire to the proceedings. While nothing explodes out at you, you leave feeling as though at any moment that could all change. A Man About A Horse leaves you wondering if there should have been more, which makes for excitement and interest upon repeated listenings. That is what good music should do for you.
Track Listing
Lupra (4:47) Red Temple (6:39) Black Temple (10:06) Burning Temple (3:59) Glass Everywhere (3:58) Lochana (3:40) Chandoha (5:58) Koshala (5:54)
Personnel
Steve Tibbetts
guitarSteve Tibbetts: guitars, percussion Marc Anderson: percussion Marcus Wise: percussion Jim Anton: bass
Album information
Title: A Man About A Horse | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: ECM Records
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