Koi/Klops by Milo Fine Free Jazz vendre Ensemble NEUF

Tracks:
MF/SG 121001
MF/SG 121002
MF/SG/JS/NS 22011
MF/SG/JS/NS 22012
MF/SG/SN (Incorporating Elements of . 181 by SN)

Performer Notes:

• Personnel: Milo Fine (clarinet, violin, piano, celeste, drums, electronic drums, electronics); Scott Newell (vocals, tenor saxophone); Nathan Smith (bass clarinet, guitar, bass); Jason Shapiro (piano, synthesizer); Steve Gnitka (guitar).
• Recorded at the West Bank School Of Music, Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 1, 2000, February 2, 2001 and April 6, 2001.
• Personnel: Milo Fine (violin, clarinet, alto clarinet, electric clarinet, piano, prepared piano, celesta, drums); Nathan Smith (guitar, bass clarinet, acoustic bass); Steve Gnitka (guitar); Jason Shapiro (piano, synthesizer).
• Liner Note Author: Milo Fine.
• Recording information: West Bank School Of Music (12/01/2000-04/06/2001).
• Photographer: Paul Higgins.
• Koi/Klops collects performances from three concerts of the Milo Fine Free Jazz Ensemble held between December 2000 and April 2001 with three different lineups. Fine is mainly heard on his drum kit made of found objects and lo-fi electronics (the m-drums II), but he also plays piano, clarinet, violin, and celeste. The only other musician to contribute to all tracks is guitarist Steve Gnitka. This duet makes up the whole "ensemble" for the first two pieces. Keyboardist Jason Shapiro and bassist/guitarist/clarinetist Nathan Smith join them for the next two numbers, while the last track is a trio of Fine, Gnitka, and saxophonist Scott Newell. Fines group has been compared to John Stevens Spontaneous Music Ensemble, and this recording brings more evidence of the similarity. But the music on Koi/Klops is generally less self-absorbed and more lively, akin to a session by the trio of Evan Parker, Barry Guy, and Paul Lytton for example (the latters kit also includes junk metal). That is to say the music is not all ultra-abstract, sparse, and quiet; neither is it entirely a high-energy contest. The quartet pieces are especially nice and include many changes in instrumentation. Shapiros use of a synthesizer is refreshing and absolutely relevant -- this instrument is often perceived as a heresy in free improv circles. ~ Fran?ois Couture

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 6 November, 2001

Label: Emanem (UK)