Matching Mole: March (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: November 1, 2002

Drummer/vocalist Robert Wyatt formed this band, soon after his departure from the now legendary Soft Machine aggregation. With only two albums under its belt, Matching Mole disbanded in 1972, whereas Cuneiform Records has furthered its legacy due to the 2001 release titled Smoke Signals. This outing follows suit so to speak, as the label resurrects additional live material culled from the band’s 1972 tour. A portion of the ensemble’s stock material is presented here along with a clever rendition of Caravan’s “Waterloo Lily.” In addition, kudos should be in order for the producers’ respectable re-mastering/digitizing efforts.

The opener, “March,” is accelerated by bassist Bill MacCormick’s booming ostinato, counterbalanced by Wyatt’s rumbling fills and electric pianist Dave MacRae’s jazzy and somewhat ethereal voicings. Although Wyatt’s gut-wrenching vocalise on the piece titled “Instant Pussy,” becomes a bit tough on the auditory senses. While guitarist Phil Miller’s use of sustain and volume control techniques provide a rough-hewn edge!

The band surges thru a jazz waltz motif amid sequences of playful zaniness and progressive rock type musings. Where, MacCormick’s mammoth fuzz bass lines on “Lything And Gracing,” serves as one of the many highlights. Recommended...

Cuneiform Records

Track Listing: 1.March 2.Instant Pussy 3.Smoke signals 4.Part Of The Dance 5.No

Personnel: Bill MacCormick: bass

Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock