Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Chris Pitsiokos: Art Of The Alto
Chris Pitsiokos: Art Of The Alto
ByWhere does he acquire this sound and his varied approach to music making? The answer can be found in his solo work, Speak In Tongues (Relative Pitch, 2020), and the eight tracks found on Art of the Alto. Each track is not necessarily a melody, but more like different sound palettes he can employ elsewhere. "Dolomite," one of two lengthy tracks opens with Merzbowlike extreme blasts of saxophone noise which segues into an upper register attack utilizing harsh split tone sounds. Pitsiokos' favors circular breathing throughout and this gymnastic approach highlights both his physical agility and creative process.
The other lengthy track, "Shale," another circular breathing performance, draws from a sound familiar to Evan Parker listeners with repeating patterns and volume modulations. Pitsiokos shifts into overblown notes before ending with skipping pops and guttural sound. The remaining shorter tracks are varied and well seasoned with varied colors. "Gabbro" is colonized by popping notes and "Sandstone," with its upper register abrasion, comes off as scratchy birdsong. The recording is an experimental laboratory for the saxophonist's investigations. It is not until the final "Anthracite" that he settles into a more gentle song form to bid weary listeners a good night.
Track Listing
Dolomite; Basalt; Feldspar; Gabbro; Shale; Obsidian; Sandstone; Anthracite.
Personnel
Chris Pitsiokos
saxophoneAlbum information
Title: Art Of The Alto | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Relative Pitch
< Previous
Variable Clouds: Live at the Earshot ...
Comments
About Chris Pitsiokos
Instrument: Saxophone
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar ToTags
Chris Pitsiokos
Album Review
Mark Corroto
Art Of The Alto
Relative Pitch
Susana Santos Silva
Torbjörn Zetterberg
Jason Nazary
Luke Stewart
evan parker