Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Libera Societ: Al m

Libera Societ: Al m

By Robert Spencer
April 1, 1999
Sign in to view read count

Voices: speaking, singing, orating, declaiming, singing. Singly and in larger groups of varying sizes. Sometimes singing and speaking in various overlays at the same time. Sometimes approaching the edges of today's vocal avant-garde ("E.U.E.," "Solotuè samosaisa," etc.) Sometimes mimicking some of the oldest vocal forms of the Western world, as on the gorgeously moving chantlike "Iesò variò tikà."

What are they saying? What are they singing? I'm not sure, and neither are they. They claim to be speaking "Lipit," a "linguistic/vocal/improvisational procedure," containing elements of the "languages of the Mediterranean Basin with Slavic and Balkanic influences." But what does it mean? It doesn't matter. It is language as sound, and it compels the listener to approach and study the musicality of the spoken voice, of conversation, and even of the low murmurs of the edges of consciousness.

This is a wildly moving and fascinating disc of utterly original vocal music. The rhythms as well as the interplay are incredibly inventive and varied. Some of the disc meanders a bit and seems a bit less tight than the most successful pieces, but it is all well worth hearing by anyone with a deep and abiding interest in improvisation.

Personnel

Libera Societ

Album information

Title: Al m | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Leo Records

< Previous
Dave Douglas: Convergence

Next >
Albatross

Comments

About Libera Societ

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.