Guys, Quintet/Sextet is it: the experimental music equivalent of The Expendables. Just think about it, like The Expendables this record brings together a myriad of the genre’s stars that have all entered interesting phases of their careers. For instance, Sachiko M is definitely the Sylvester Stallone of the group because she’s been pretty quiet in recent years except for big collaborative releases similar to Quintet/Sextet. However, her prior landmark work precedes her, and her iconic sine tones’ presence alone are something to celebrate in the same way that we celebrate Stallone’s mountain of a face. In that case, Otomo Yoshihide is unquestionably the Bruce Willis of the ensemble; the dude that’s continuously done big respectable work in a number of genres and generally followed his muse wherever it’s led him. The detailed comparisons could go on forever, but I’ll just say that Evan Parker is definitely Jason Staham, John Butcher is Mickey Rourke, John Edwards is Terry Crews, and the late/great Tony Marsh was unequivocally Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Thankfully, unlike The Expendables, this track preview finds the sextet working as a true ensemble to create a texturally arresting piece. The track manages to work its way through pointilistic noise to sustained drones and even a lovely jazz inflected middle before returning to the opening sounds. It’s a surprisingly greater whole than its parts that should firmly establish this ensemble is the ultimate free improv super group.
The release is available from Cafe Oto now.
• Cafe Oto: http://www.cafeoto.co.uk
• Otomo Yoshihide: http://www.japanimprov.com/yotomo/
• Sachiko M: http://www.teamsachikom.wix.com/sachiko-m
• John Butcher: http://www.johnbutcher.org.uk/
• Evan Parker: http://www.evanparker.com