Alexander Von Schlippenbach Trio: Pakistani Pomade (1972)
- Details
- Written by T. Rake
On Pakistani Pomade (FMP 0110), pianist Alexander Von Schlippenbach's vision, saxophonist Evan Parker's voice, and drummer Paul Lovens' unrestrained perkussion culminate in a record which contrasts free jazz tendencies with a Germanic asceticism. While understandably some make connections with other improv stalwarts, this record represents a break from those traditions in the subjection of the modes, the church and the blues.
American free jazz from the mid-60s onward had a tribal connection at its core predicated on an aestheticism of the blues tradition. Here, not unlike adjacent movements in Japan, there is a distinctly modern execution which is devoid of any spiritual intent. Gone are the wailing scales, the sustained energies and in its place are wild screams offset by solemn introspects which build, decay and bellow.
Paul Lovens is one of the great underrated percussionists of the 70s along with Chris Cutler and Masahiko Togashi. The space he achieves in many of the less bombastic sections provides the perfect foil to Schlippenbach's angular, uprooted playing. The differences from previous traditions may be one of invention, but with all things it brings with it an understanding of local context.
- Sun-Luck Night-Rain
- Butaki Sisters
- A Little Yellow (Incl. Two Seconds Monk Gema)
- Ein Husten Für Karl Valentin
- Pakistani Pomade
- Von "G" Ab 403-418
- Moonbeef
- Kleine Nülle, Evergreen
Currently available on CD as part of Atavistic's Unheard Music Series.
Pairs well with a case of Oettinger.