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Protean Reality: Protean Reality
ByAt the core of the set stands the interaction between Pitsiokos' alto saxophone and Philipp Scholz' drums. Pitsiokos is fearsomely proficient whatever the syntax, and even blends more conventional passages amid the uncompromising high energy skronk and experimental timbres. On drums, Scholz favors a tappy clatter, though effectively generating momentum when the beat firms up, through a sort of twisted boogaloo. Punkt's percussive accents and melodic episodes are compelling, but at other times, as on some early free jazz sides, the bass seems tangential to the drive of the other two instruments.
Each track encompasses such a variety of expression such that description is ultimately futile. "Torturer's Horse" starts with alto squawks reminiscent of Roscoe Mitchell in its reiterated angular line. Then comes bursts of machine gun chatter drums, and finally roving electric bass joins. That's not a bad introduction to the band. Later the exchange between Punkt's fuzz and electronic beeps and Pitsiokos' squeals and whistles sparks excitement. When Scholz moves to cymbals he imparts a jazzy thrust which makes for an 100 miles an hour opener.
As a unit the threesome manage skillful transitions, which at times defy expectations. One example occurs on "Green Water" where Punkt's unaccompanied pulse isn't picked up by the drums, but nonetheless continues to provide a slender uniting thread to Scholz' rattle and Pitsiokos winnowing plosives. Showing their range, "Calmly On" features melancholy lyrical saxophone over a jerky backdrop, which develops into a blistering outpouring. But even here the adventurous side shines through as it gradually accumulates more and more of the overblown and distorted components, which are this outfit's trademark.
Track Listing
Torturer's Horse; Green Water; Calmly On.
Personnel
Chris Pitsiokos
saxophoneChris Pitsiokos: alto saxophone; Noah Punkt: electric bass; Philipp Scholz: drums and percussion.
Album information
Title: Protean Reality | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records
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About Chris Pitsiokos
Instrument: Saxophone
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