This is one of those records that was made on both sides of the Atlantic. The main body of it was made in New York, Tippetts’ part was recorded in London and the joining up took place later in America. Such a procedure is unacceptable to some people, although I doubt if I would have noticed had not the notes mentioned the fact. In any case, what really matters is the quality and in this respect there can be no complaints.
This is a follow-up to Carla Bley’s highly adventurous Escalator Over The Hill and again successfully teams her with lyricist Paul Haines. The instrumental sections are best, however, and it is ironical that, according to the sleeve, the outstanding solos are played on tenor by an unidentified cat. I do not know the reason for his anonymity but his simplified rhythmic approach and superb control in the false upper register will betray Gato Barbieri to all committed avant-garde fans.
This is essentially a jazz record but there are interludes, particularly in the vocal parts when the idiom is transcended. No criticism is implied by this and tracks like Enormous Tots and Funnyblrd Song are knock-outs in their own way. There are even instrumental passages that are written out for humorous effect and the end product is one of those international records that would appeal to most sophisticated music lovers. The jazz fan will be more concerned with Mantler’s moving solo on Caucasian, Holland’s solo on Indonesian, Motian’s drumming in the pure jazz sections and the cat’s work throughout.
Discography
What Will Be Left Between Us And The Moon Tonight; In India; Enormous Tots: Caucasian Bird Riffles (24¼ min) – Funnybird Song; Indonesian Dock Sucking Supreme; Song Of The Jungle Stream; Nothing (24 min)
Michael Manner (tpt/tbn): Gato Barbieri (ten/perc): Howard Johnson (vcl/clt/bs-clt/sop/bari/bass-sax/tuba); Toni Marcus (vln/viola); Carla Bley (vcl/rec/pno/el-pno/clavinet/org/marimba/celeste/perc); Dave Holland (cello/bs/el-bs); Paul Motian (dm/ perc); Julie Tippetts (vcl). NY & London, Sept to March 1974.
Virgin Watt 1 £1.49
