Andrew Neumann: Scramble: Lock: Combination

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: October 1, 2000

Drummer, electronics guru Andrew Neumann indulges in some mischievous hijinks on this new release titled, Scramble: Lock: Combination. Armed with an arsenal of digital delays, MIDI paraphernalia, computer software and a drum machine, Neumann improvises his way through this curiously interesting affair which at the very least should provide some thrills for the tech-heads out there. On the title track, the artist produces a bevy of cyclic and recoiling rhythms, mechanical sounds and MIDI generated tones to create rapidly paced themes that could elicit imagery of mathematicians decoding an encryption algorithm. Throughout, Neumann institutes odd-metered rhythms against multilayered sounds and humorous noises that often take on cartoon like qualities. On “Para: Did; Dled”, Neumann abstractly deconstructs a basic paraddidle amid distorted EFX and sequential patterns while creating an ostinato style drone on the piece titled “ShipT:oshore”.

A clever outing indeed, yet Neumann’s visionary musical statements and whiz bang implementations read more like a novelty item; however, it’s all about improvisation. Hence, there are some intriguing moments on this wonderfully recorded and charmingly innocent project.

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Andrew Neumann’s equipment list: drum machine, powerbook running LISA and MAX, modified PC-1600, Serge Touch Activated Sequencer Keyboard, ring modulator, modified ADA digital delays, "MIDI Grips", substitute “virus” synth for drum machine on track 6.

All tracks recorded live to 2-track; no overdubs or mixing.

( Sublingual )

Record Label: Sublingual Records
Style: Modern Jazz