JOHN BUTCHER
Vortices and Angels
Emanem
4049


Like a vortex, Vortices and Angels sucks the listener in and it is impossible to escape the hold that John Butcher creates in the company of legendary guitar impresario Derek Bailey (for two tracks) and harp (Rhodri Davies) on three tracks. Both "Low Vortex" and "High Vortex" were from a concert at the Vortex, a club in the north part of London (hence the name), with Bailey in March of last year and Butcher wails "sheets of sound" that are jagged and arresting that at times flow like water. Because Butcher has seemingly mastered his instrument, he has created a vocabulary so extensive and complex that Webster couldn't do it justice. For instance, "Low Vortex" is practically thirty minutes of masterful free playing from both Bailey and Butcher. Butcher's slap tongue moments come off as integral ingredients rather than shaddy gimmickry. Bailey's modernist abstracts work in harmony and dissonance with Butcher, only further heightening the piece's provocative nature. In comparison, "High Vortex" is certainly more subdued, but not by much. The harp duets with Davies are of interest as well, but "Low Vortex" was my Groundhog Day and I found myself listening to it over and over again. Simply put, it is indispensable. Bravo.

--Fred Jung


Track Listing: 1. Low Vortex; 2. High Vortex; 3. Rhagymadrodd; 4. Pregeth; 5. Diweddglo


Personnel: John Butcher, soprano and tenor saxophones; Derek Bailey , amplified guitar (1 and 2); Rhodri Davies, harp (3-5)