lifetones ‎– for a reason (finally reissued)

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two incredible peter brötzmann german television documents from 1974

Peter Brötzmann Quartet (BRÖTZMANN, VON SCHLIPPENBACH, KOWALD, LOVENS) – Jazz Jamboree 1974

Peter Brötzmann Trio ( Brötzmann, van Hove, Bennink,) – Hannover, February 1974

on arnold dreyblatt (with two archival films)

As you plumb the depths of this platform, a picture of my tastes should begin to unfold. Though they’re broad, stretching across time, culture, and genre, my root is with the avant-garde. Those who have spent time in this wonderful world are bound to have encountered Arnold Dreyblatt. He is among the brightest lights of Minimalism’s second wave, and a has been a steady contributor to the advancement of music since the late 70’s. Continue reading “on arnold dreyblatt (with two archival films)” →

improbable currencies (on 75 dollar bill)

Over the last few years, I’ve suffered from a growing ambivalence to live Rock & Roll. It’s a surprising development of my thirties, and a moment that every music fan dreads – when that thrill is gone. This isn’t a latent conservationism bubbling from below. Age has taught me to demand more. The older I am, the more I want to be challenged, disturbed, twisted, and fucked with. I want music to be a mystery. I want to return changed. The sounds of my former lives remain exciting, as do their creators. I still faithfully trudge out to see The Ex, Shellac, MV & EE, anything Thalia Zedek touches, Yo la Tengo, and it breaks my heart to have missed those This Is Not This Heat shows at Cafe Oto last week. If the Gunn-Truscinski Duo ever return, I’ll be right up front. But as a rule, with the passing days, Rock & Roll (and its relations) is a less thrilling ride. New bands usually tread well established territory, and leave me in want. There is an exception – 75 Dollar Bill. In their short run, it feels like I’ve seen them 100 times. I’m never let down. Each show begins without prediction, and ends far inside the unknown. Continue reading “improbable currencies (on 75 dollar bill)” →

Gruppo di improvvisazione Nuova Consonanza Documentary from 1967 (w/Subtitles)

Over the years Gruppo di improvvisazione Nuova Consonanza has been Franco Evangelisti, Ennio Morricone, Egisto Macchi, Mario Bertoncini, Walter Branchi, John Heineman, Roland Kayn, Frederic Rzewski, Giancarlo Schiaffini, Giovanni Piazza, Antonelli Neri, Jesus Villa Rojo, and Battisti D’Amario, among others.

They were a collective of improvisers, founded in 1966, and based primarily in Italy. They are still active in some incarnation today. Gruppo di improvvisazione Nuova Consonanza bridge territories between Jazz, Musique-Concrete, Serialism, and other tenants of avant-garde classical music, with plenty of free-spirited experiment. This is a German documentary about them, made by Theo Gallehr in 1967. It has English subtitles. Hope you enjoy.