Baghdassarians/Baltschun/Bosetti/Doneda: Str (2004)

Mark Corroto

Senior Contributor since 1999

Mark misses his large dog Louie, but endeavors daily to find and listen to new and interesting sounds.

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Published: December 18, 2004

Baghdassarians/Baltschun/Bosetti/Doneda: Str

Another "beyond free music" release from the exquisite improvisation label Potlatch matches saxophonists Michel Doneda and Alessandro Bosetti with guitarist and mixer Serge Baghadassarians and sampler Boris Baltschun. The meeting of breath and machine produces a music of industry.

Doneda, a frequent participant in Potlatch outings, is quite comfortable with Italian saxophonist Bosetti, having recorded a trio Placés dans l'Air with Bhob Rainey. Sound artitst Baltschun is a member of No Furniture with Axel Dorner and Baghadassarians, who studied classical guitar, eschews any direct connection to that instrument here.

Ström mostly passes for a mediation on a subway platform. Breath passed through a saxophone is either altered electronically or submitted as extreme limits of pitch and sound. Wheels turn, squeals linger, and altered static give pause. Mostly the music is discovery of the hum and static you ignore as you wait for a train. Who is controlling those trains? Why is a warm wind passing? What clicks on and off in the darkness? The musicians work with a substantial vibration, an almost soundless presence, or at least one generated below the ears' ability to distinguish sound from feel. Nonetheless this is about feel and breath and the moment.

Track Listing: Str

Personnel: Serge Baghadassarians - Guitar, Mixing Desk; Boris Baltschun - Sampler; Alessandro Bosetti - Soprano Saxophone; Michel Doneda - Soprano Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone.

Style: Modern Jazz