Downtown Music Gallery
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HOLLAND HOPSON/JAMES KEEPNEWS - hunting and gathering
(metaharmonic 0001) Holland plays soprano sax and synth while James
plays electric guitar and synth. This fine improvised duet was
recorded in Queens. This is an out duo which sound as if they have
been at it for a while, since although it is improvised they play
many intricate patterns/structures as one. James uses a variety of
odd devices to alter his guitar in weird and effective ways, while
Holland often puts his sax through some equally odd devices to alter
its tone. Neither of these two sound much like anyone else, which
means they have strived to get their own sound. Sometimes the sax
will play a simple repeating phrase while the guitar plays odd sounds
around it. Sometimes those patterns get more intricate or
complicated and the other part of the duo must work harder at
bringing things together. Much of this is on the somber side, rarely
going wild, yet it is still pretty interesting. On a couple of these
pieces, they dispense with the devices and play a more pure subtle
refrain. Most of the time they bathe the guitar and sax in the haze
of echoland. Sometimes it is difficult to tell who is doing what,
when both play synth or when their instruments are altered beyond
recognition. Overall, this is a mostly fascinating excursion,
although a bit alien sounding at times.