Noel Akchote: Rien

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: September 1, 2000

Forward thinking guitarist Noel Akchote performs microtonal, electronically induced themes on his latest excursion titled, Rien. With this release, the guitarist enlists the support of computer performer Erik Minkkinen and Andrew Sharpley who handles the sampler and turntable duties. Essentially, these eleven tracks maintain a relatively invariable flow which is evident on pieces such as “Mords”, “Cesse” and others, where the musicians meld subtle electronics, Akchote’s barely audible chord manipulations, cavernous explorations and dark tonalities with programmatic interplay. At times, it seems as though the musicians are more concerned with creating soft textures that oscillate in repetitive fashion.

Although, the overall production might fall within the realm of experimental ambient electronica, Rien progresses at a snails pace and becomes a bit tedious, especially during the midsection. And while there are some intriguing moments, the intentions or perhaps underlying message is a bit confounding at best. Some might find this set to be fascinating; however, when viewed as a whole – Rien fails to sustain any noticeable interest.

* * ½ (out of * * * * *)

Record Label: Winter & Winter
Style: Modern Jazz