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MURMUR METAL - Maelström

Circum-Disc CD Helix LX018

David Bausseron: improvisations on metallic objects (plate, strips, lamellas, cage, portal, cover, rods, halogen lamp base, iron straw, tin box, wood saw), electric guitar, electronics
Parts l and ll recorded in 2013 at la Gare d'Eau, Lille, France; Part lll recorded in 2018 in the basement of the Compagnie de l'Oiseau Mouche, Roubaix, Lille, France

Maelström is a collection of pieces created by improvised ‘playing’ on a collection of metallic junk found in a skip at a metalwork factory in Thiers, Auvergne, France.  Bausseron already had a number of ‘instruments’ in his collection, including some thin metal strips and slats from a mechanical brush and some bases from halogen lamps which gave up an astounding reverberation.

Although this is a new project for David Bausseron, it is not new in principle, similar approaches to experimentation have been uncovered before, extending from installations to interactive street performances and very brash and clamorous electro-acoustic recitals.

The recordings are the result of some ten years of investigation into sounds from metal resources, both acoustic and electro-acoustic in nature.

I can tell you that I like this kind of material intensely, though I will not pretend that I will listen to it repeatedly, like I might, say, Cecil Taylor or Ivo Perelman.  It’s not that kind of music.  It is not the kind of material that can be easily categorised either, not that I especially want to do that.  His background is varied, starting with rock group Oublis Miniatures, soon shifting to a freer rock music, very often improvised.  Two bands in particular were La Pieuvre (The Octopus) and De Nouvelles Erreurs (Some New Mistakes).  He has also worked extensively in dance, performance and theatre and runs improvised music workshops.  He also works in film and independently on many solo ventures for his inclusion on his website.

Reviewed by Ken Cheetham

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