Re[2]: Fred Frith

[David.Orton@mail.bl.uk (David Orton)]

     I'm only really familiar with Fred's work from the period of Henry 
Cow 
     (for whom I failed the audition as bassist!) up to the Art Bears, but 
     if you ever see a copy of his GUITAR SOLOS (1974 - Caroline in the 
     UK), then invest immediately. 
     
     Its some while since I've heard it, but I suspect at last part of it 
     was recorded with some form of tape delay device (the original sleeve 
     notes comment that most/all performances are live apart from one 
track 
     which had two notes edited out) - anyone know anything more on this? 
     
     I recall he used various `prepared' guitar techniques - alligator 
     clips on the strings etc, but also had an additional pick-up attached 
     to the head stock of his guitar, which could `pick up' the sound of 
     the string's vibrations from `behind' the left hand fingers, 
achieving 
     a duet/harmonised effect (sort of).  
     
     GUITAR SOLOS 2 (with G.F. Fitzgerald, Hans Reichel, and  Derek 
Bailey) 
     had a few diagrams of recording techniques - placing speakers under a 
     piano's lid and taping the resonance etc. plus
     
     David