"The first solo electronics and percussion by the radical European improvisor in over thirty years, "?""!" is the culmination of decades of research into and experience of new modes of communication.
Lytton, a central figure in the British free improvisation movement of the 1960s and 70s which included Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, and Paul Rutherford, was instrumental in reshaping the way drums and percussion were viewed in free music. He is one of a handful of percussionists from that time whose work allowed the drum kit to become even more free from the timekeeping constraints of jazz up to that point; the instrument becoming less a set of drums and more a series of membranes on which to create an atmosphere.
His earliest experiments in homemade instruments and electronics with Evan Parker have spurred generations on to look outside systems with names such as "jazz" and "improv" and to explore new modes of communication in the moment. ?! marks the first solo recording of Lytton since 1979's The Inclined Stick on PoTorch. The recording, as expected, is more structural or stratified, than linear or narrative. It allows the listener multiple levels and multiple views into the ever- changing language of one of the 21st century's master musicians." -Pleasure of the Text
—
This album is absolutely on the mark! The best of what modular synth is capable of, plus a true spiritual feeling of the "griot" heritage, without aping anything. I'm more than impressed. So beautiful. wilsonnovitzki
Simply amazing to hear a new album with Wadada and Ewart!! ...And Reed rounds out this trio beautifully.
Just gave it my first spin. Absolutely magical. jeffrey maurer
My afternoon is a great one, thanks to this new music from Ken Vandermark! He leads a large ensemble as they explore some wonderful, new territory in creative music. Happy dance time! 😎 Rick Mathis