review 2 Damon Opprobrium

For me, one of the most anticipated recordings of 1997, and, thankfully, also one of the most satisfying. To expound upon either of these artists in this magazine any further (see past and present issues...) borders on redundant and boring. We know by now what great things these two men are capable of both as solo artists and as group members or leaders. We also of know of their great respect and friendship for one another. But we don't know of their music together as Evan Parker and Eddie Prévost. Most Materiall fills the void, and, hopefully, establishes a new tradition for these two listening musicians. Let's not break down the recording. If you like either of them, you'll be pleased, and if you've never heard a peep from either (which is really unfathomable) then you'll be introduced to a world of communication and landscaping previously unknown to your virgin ears. Personally, disc one is the most engaging of the two for me, most likely because the concern on these tracks seems to be more in the space (vertical and linear) exploration more akin to those moments of sublime AMM or the circular, transcendent Parker sculpturing. Disc two has a more linear, free jazz improvisational quality to it that is top-notch, but not so much what I listen for these days. Don't get me wrong; it's all stellar and, goddamn it, when will they fail? Who wouldn't like this? Maybe Donald Miller's cat, but she listens to music in the shower anyway.

Damon
Opprobrium (NZ) N0. 5 July 1998