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Stefan Keune/Dominic Lash/Steve Noble: Fractions
ByThe opener sets the template, with Noble and Lash acting as a rhythm section, albeit one that severely tests the definition of that term, while Keune provides the narrative voice, albeit with a tale that defies easy understanding. Noble and Lash create a latticework of arco slashes, resonant plucks cymbal strikes and tight rolls, against which Keune mutters, yelps and splutters with quiet but unremitting intensity. In fact Keune barely emits a standard pitch on the entire LP. At times on "Two Far" and "Mélange" his stream of choked utterances recall Evan Parker. However his favored gambit is exploration of overblown squeals on both sopranino and tenor saxophones.
Several of the cuts follow similar trajectories from slow/quiet to fast/loud, in a tightly focused soundworld. Variation comes in the form of checks to the build up on "Cuts" until ultimately regular pulses of activity become so close they represent mere oscillations in the flow, and the increased spaciousness and silences of "Let's Not." But it's the final "Mélange" which most stretches the parameters, full as it is of choppy interplay with Keune adding gruff edges to his falsetto discourse. The dense fizzing interaction gradually works towards a roiling crescendo. It's difficult to maintain such a head of steam, but it's a trick they pull off for all but the last 90 seconds, which is given over to inspired pizzicato and cymbal coloration.
Track Listing
Two Far; Cuts; A Find; Let's Not; Mélange
Personnel
Stefan Keune
saxophone, tenorStefan Keune: sopranino and tenor saxophones; Dominic Lash: bass; Steve Noble: drums.
Album information
Title: Fractions | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: NoBusiness Records
Comments
About Stefan Keune
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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