Fred Marty: Ondes Primitives: Improvised Solo Pieces for Double Bass

The debut album of French double bassist Fred Marty summarizes his musical experience and exploration through an entire spectrum, from classical interpretation to collaborative free improvisation. Marty employs the bass as an organic extension of his body, searching for an array of extended techniques that expand the instrument's timbral range.

Each of nine pieces focuses on a distinct sonic property and acoustic palette, developing ideas in an intimate and usually patient manner, like a researcher who methodically studies aspects of the bull fiddle. He creates with the bow and other objects like drumsticks and chopsticks. A series of percussive strikes on the strings suggest weird and surprisingly resonant qualities. A profound understanding of the deep-toned timbral range of the double bass is highlighted in the tribal, hypnotic "The Shaman's Voice" and the enigmatic texture of "L'âme de Fond."

Marty alternates between different bow techniques. On the intense, dense texture of "Torsion" he suggests almost human moans and growls. But on the quiet and minimalist title piece he sketches overtones that brings to mind almost human hums and whispers. Only on "À Côté du Sol" and "Wet and Sing" Marty structures arresting narratives that expand the experimental sonic searches.

A demanding, yet highly original exploration of the qualities of the double bass.