Re: er, zorn, bungle, bailey, brotzmann

[Cummings <r_t_cummings@compuserve.com>]

well i agree with the concept that a studio recording is an entirely
different beast from a live concert. i often enjoy freak schtuff (e.g.
free jazz, experimental electronics) much more in concert than a
"document" of the same.

i would add another band to the list that really has it down in terms of
being able to rock in concert while still putting out great studio
recordings: MOUSE ON MARS
yes they LOOP - although not with "loopers" per se, but with
sequencer-samplers. they're very inventive and have a subtle sense of
humour. live they add a drummer to the melange and man does that
motherf*#ker rock!

in concert you've got to go for the throat a little more - someone should
tell this to tortoise! tortoise are an example of a band who can replicate
their studio recordings perfectly on stage - but with no fun. they're just
way too careful.

concerning other points:
- fred frith's guitar quartet is also great live

- bill frisell is really rockin - his chair that is
- his new material has lost its relevancy for me - as a non-american, i
really can't stand all this "americana" schtick - a little too sentimental
and nostalgic for my taste
- all that negativity said, we're all allowed to change course

blather, blather:
rob


Mike Biffle schrieb:

> > That said though, I really get into Mr. Bungle's records and I've
> never seen them live.  They edit and otherwise manipulate their stuff
> a lot though and work on making the recording pretty exciting, unlike
> Brotzmann, Bailey, and other improvisors who use the recording more
> like a document.
>
> I was surprised to find that they executed many of the bizarre
> dynamic, melodic, and rythymic flash cuts from their recordings with
> as much or more effect live. With a super loud top volume their
> dynamics were quite visceral... and scary. Patton and co. lull you
> with some lush vocal harmony and then sledgehammer you with brutal
> ring modulated shrieking and shred metal guitar and synth noise...
> They're the best I've ever seen at that level of integration.
>
> > So anyway, what I've found is that the "pure" approach works best
> live and the studio is good for tweaking so things sound good without
> that live improvisational element, which
> probably isn't capturable on record.  I'm interested in how other
> people approach this.
>
> Like I said earlier... Bungle's records, while interesting, aren't
> quite the experience of them live. And they definitely push the limits
> of what transfers from the studio to the stage.
>
> Miles Davis and Teo Macero did a pretty nice job of taking live
> moments and "studioizing" them.
>
> Fred Frith is another who seems to capture his live "spirit" on tape
> fairly well. Guitar Solos is a walk on the razors edge...
>
> Nels Cline Trio is also quite a ride... It's surprising how much
> interplay there is in that ensemble and how well it translates to a
> studio document. I'd love to see them live... They do some pretty
> radical flash-cut transitions live as well...
>
> Also... is anybody else thinking that Bill Frissells laid back stuff
> just ain't getting there anymore? (Just an opinion... to his credit,
> he's still throwing loops out there. 8-b)
>
> Best Regards,
> Miko Biffle, mbiffle@svg.com
> "Running scared from all the usual distractions..."