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N.E.W.: Motion
ByThe disc kicks off with the thunderous "Betting On Now." Ward's guitar throttle is set to shred. If you didn't read the lineup, you might have the notion these freedom fighters were concocting a coup d'état. But look again, these are the powers that be in the London improvising scene. Noble and Edward are the backbone of Peter Brötzmann's trio and make up �� of Decoy with Alexander Hawkins. Ward, who is also known as a clarinetist, but sticks to electric guitar here, has recorded with Derek Bailey, Thurston Moore, and Joe Morris. The opening salvos are gut-punching blasts of thunderous bass, energy drumming, and guitar shred with a pinch or two of swing to remind you of their DNA. The shortish "How It Is" settles into a quiet open improvisation, exploring cymbals, plucked and bowed bass and gentler decaying guitar.
This release, their third (with a fourth on the way) follows the Bo'Weavil discs NEWtoons (2009) and Deadeye Tricksters (2009). The trio's connection runs deep here. The pieces, all improvised, are delivered without second thoughts. The steam rolling "Tall & True" gives way to an exploration of minute sounds with "4th & Three" that, although quieter to start, swings just as hard. Nobles' drumming is a perpetual and inexhaustible source throughout. Where these three excel is in their ability to meld improvisation with an ever propulsive sound. Two things that are oh, so tasty together.
Track Listing
Betting On Now; How It Is; Tall & True; 4th & Three; Motion.
Personnel
Steve Noble; drums; John Edwards: double bass; Alex Ward: guitar.
Album information
Title: Motion | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Dancing Wayang
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N.E.W.
CD/LP/Track Review
Mark Corroto
Dancing Wayang
United Kingdom
London
Steve Noble
John Edwards
Alex Ward
Peter Brotzmann
Alexander Hawkins
Derek Bailey
Thurston Moore
Motion