Fred Frith's "Backscatter Bright Blue," released on Intakt Records in 2014, is a captivating journey through the avant-garde and free jazz landscapes, infused with the rhythmic allure of tango and the boundless creativity of experimental music. Clocking in at just under an hour, this album is a testament to Frith's innovative spirit and his ability to blend genres seamlessly.
The album opens with "Where the Cities Gleam in Darkness," setting the stage for a sonic exploration that is both intense and introspective. Tracks like "Big Flowers" and "Breaking and Entering" showcase Frith's mastery of improvisation, while "The Circus Is a Song of Praise" adds a touch of whimsy and theatricality. "Little By Little" and "A Single Street Stretched Tight By the Waters" delve into more contemplative territories, highlighting Frith's ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound.
"Climbing the Ladder" and "Dependence Over the Abyss" are standout tracks that demonstrate Frith's knack for creating tension and release, while "Walking On Wire" and the closing track "Moments Full of Many Lives" bring the album to a close with a sense of resolution and reflection. Throughout "Backscatter Bright Blue," Frith's virtuosic playing and fearless experimentation make for an album that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Vinylscout