solo project Archive

Rhys Chatham – Pythagorean Dream – Foom

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 9, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

Music meant to be experienced fully alert and awake. Rhys Chatham – Pythagorean Dream [TrackList follows] – Foom FM007CD, 51:46 [6/3/16] ****: (Rhys Chatham – trumpet, electric guitar, bass flute, alto flute, C flute, producer, engineer, mastering) Composer Rhys Chatham has made a name for himself by conceiving large-ensemble music with armies of guitarists (100 and 200 or more at a time); helping form a vibrant NYC 1970s scene which inspired rock groups such as Swans, Sonic Youth and the Band of Susans; while exploring lengthy music efforts which blended modern minimalist classical music with the drive of punk and post-punk. So, it may come as a surprise that Chatham’s newest endeavor, the 51-minute Pythagorean Dream is a one-man-band solo project. But listen to the two elongated compositions (plus a shorter bonus track) and everyone will understand Chatham has not abandoned his electric guitar orchestrations. Chatham may have gone back to basics, but by using a multi-second delay effect, he has layered feedback loops of variable intervals to craft resonant, overlapping tiers, which transcend the limitations of a single musician recording in a studio. A point to appreciate: there is no overdubbing on this record and it was recorded directly […]