Jazz Articles about Philip Gelb

Philip Gelb: Between/Waves

by Glenn Astarita
September 1, 1999

Philip Gelb performs on the “shakuhachi” which is a Japanese flute made from bamboo with 4 finger holes and 1 thumbhole. Here, Mr. Gelb devises an interesting yet non-formulaic approach as he integrates his ideas into non-mainstream formats which include free-improvisation and electronics. The first piece, titled “The Space Between” was recorded live at Beanbender’s in Berkely, CA. Clocking in at 29 minutes, Gelb performs along with accordionist Pauline Oliveros, ROVA’s saxophonist Jon Raskin and pianist Dana Reason. This piece ...

Philip Gelb: Between/waves

by AAJ Staff
June 1, 1999

Shakuhachi player Philip Gelb seems to understand that silence can carry as much weight as sound. His new record, between/waves, celebrates this fact. The sounds on this record, made by Gelb and colleagues, explore the dynamics of breathing in the setting of free improvisation.

On “The Space Between," Gelb and quartet exchange bird-like noises, twisting and re-interpreting the age-old standard of call-and-response. On “Waves," a thickly textured electronic field becomes the backdrop for Gelb's plaintive cries. Whirring and buzzing noises ...