Hugh Davies

Music Improvisation Company (ECM 1970)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V6WJ8FXH

Performances 1969-1977

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N4Q1JI7G

Tapestries

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QWOGP6R0

Contrasting with the prevalent attitude of virtuoso instrumentalists in improvised music, Davies rigorously investigated a wide variety of materials. His expansive knowledge and integration of the history of musical instruments are evident in these recordings, as are structural and timbral frameworks influenced by study at WDR and GRM. However, as opposed to the major electronic music studios and the players of fine instruments, there is singular, distinguishing economy to Davies' work.

"Music Improvisation Company" is one of only two officially released recordings to feature Davies enmeshed in the non-idiomatic axis around Derek Bailey...the other available here.
It's worth noting how potent the sound of this group is, as they begin to stake out their vocabularies. Here, there is an audible intersection of the dance hall jazz, Serialism, and electro-acoustic music that actually made this music incredibly and vitally cross-idiomatic, rather than a pure, unprecedented nihilism.

"Performances" is a look at Davies' incredible solo improvisational stamina. Many people have likely banged on pots and pans in the search of a homemade instrument, but Davies demonstrates his ability to discover and exhaust possibilities within these seemingly limited systems. First, there is a demonstration of two springs affixed to a board with a piezo disc. On the second piece, a third spring is added. The deep consideration regarding such a seemingly simple gesture and the resultant acoustic difference speaks volumes about Davies' musical aesthetics.

"Tapestries" exhibits Davies' electronic work, a simultaneously unfurling thread that existed alongside of his improvised music. It's interesting to hear how Davies applies his notions of instrumental sound to the seemingly more rigid electronic devices.

More to come.