Deriving from around the same time as Touching On (also on View, VS 105), this album delivers more, similar goods. No Fear is a largely improvised piece which lasts over 36 minutes; only the head and tail appear to be prearranged. Re Touch bears a superficial resemblance to part of No Fear‘s improvisation.
No Fear begins confidently, with its strident ensemble riff, then eventually subsides into generally well-measured and empathetic improvisation. The biggest treat for this heavily biased guitarist is the Allan Hoidsworth solo, which closely follows the theme. I am not alone in believing Hoidsworth to be one of the most underrated and unsung contemporary musicians, and a true genius who should be afforded the same recognition as the most eminent figures in jazz history. Hyperbole? No.
After Holdsworth’s solo, it appears to be Barry Guy who dispenses with ‘time’, and things become fragmented: Fragmented into exploratory interplay, and what sounds like experimental and at times tentative counterpoint. The players appear to be listening closely to each other, and plenty of space is left between statements. Moods swing between contemplative and stormy.
Re Touch is short, sharp and up, with more outrageous solo lines from Holdsworth, and Ron Mathewson replacing Barry Guy on bass. Since all four players are credited with composition, I assume this is completely improvised.
This is enjoyable, at times brilliant, music and thanks are due to View Records for making it available for the first time.
Discography
No Fear Part 1 (21.06) – No Fear Part 2; Re Touch (19.38)
Allan Holdsworth (g); Jeff Young (p); Barry Guy, Ron Mathewson (b); John Stevens (d). Recorded May 1977.
(View Records VS 0025)
