Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Mark Whitecage: Turning Point

Mark Whitecage: Turning Point

By AAJ Staff
November 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

Improvised electronics have finally come of age. Some players simply use digital signal processing (eg. distortion, phasing, reverb) to allow them the opportunity to alter the tonality of their instruments. Others prefer to use a sampler to provide a second voice against which to improvise. The more advanced advocates of electronic improvisation perform processing, sampling, and looping in real time—making the electronic part of the performance just as 'live' and dynamic as the instrumental improv. This is thetruefusion, and only recently have the necessary electronic tools become widely available to players without a degree in electrical engineering.

Mark Whitecage is an example of a purely acoustic player who turned to electronics (in 1998) as a way of expanding his range of expression. Though under-documented, Whitecage has been active in progressive music circles since the sixties. On Turning Point, his acoustic instruments consist of the alto sax and the clarinet. All electronic manipulations appear to be saxophone- and clarinet-derived. The performance exists entirely in real time, although there are usually several melodies happening at once. Whitecage relies primarily upon looping and effects to deliver improvised lines, against which he can then improvise.

The general feel of Turning Point is one of uneasy oscillation: waves of sound undulate and crash before being reborn in a myriad of mutant derivations. Whitecage achieves climax and resolution by building density, dissonance, and altered tonality—and then relaxing them. This music can be appreciated at many levels, but perhaps the best approach is to simply view it as a maritime voyage: both busy storm and glassy quietude have their place in this always-active ocean of sound.

Be aware that Turning Point is strictly available by mail order and at concerts. Visit Mark Whitecage on the web.

Track Listing

Bopalong Way; Something Cool; Jogging; Loop'en; Concerto For One; Soul; Turning Point; Haunting Melody.

Personnel

Mark Whitecage

saxophone, alto

Mark Whitecage: alto saxophone, clarinet, and electronics.

Album information

Title: Turning Point | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: W.E.R.F.

< Previous
Gunther Schuller Turns 75!

Next >
Meet Lynne Arriale

Comments

About Mark Whitecage

Instrument: Saxophone, alto

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.