Release Date: 19 January 2015
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602547089373
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Release Date: 18 May 2015
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Gate Fold Vinyl
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 602547243041
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Description
Vijay Iyer's long-running and widely-acclaimed trio with bassist Stephan Crump and drummer Marcus Gilmore, a band in existence since 2003, makes its ECM album debut.
'Break Stuff' is what happens after formal elements have been addressed. Vijay Iyer calls the break "a span of time in which to act. It's the basis for breakdowns, breakbeats, and break dancing... it can be the moment when everything comes to life." A number of the pieces are breakdowns of other Iyer constructions. Some are from a suite premiered at New York's Museum of Modern Art, some, focusing on birds of New York, derive from 'Open City', a collaboration with novelist Teju Cole and large ensemble.
The trio energetically recasts everything it touches. "Hood" is a tribute to Detroit techno pioneer Robert Hood. On "Work", Vijay pays homage to his "number one hero", Thelonious Monk. "Countdown" reconsiders the classic Coltrane tune inside a rhythmic framework inspired by West African music. "Mystery Woman" is driven by compound pulses which owe a debt to South Indian drumming. Fast moving and quick-witted, the group has developed a strong musical identity of its own, with an emphasis on what Iyer calls "co-constructing", exploring all the dynamics of playing together. Yet the three players also get abundant solo space and, in a reflective moment, Iyer plays a moving version of Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count" alone.
Recorded in June 2014 at New York's Avatar Studio and produced by Manfred Eicher, 'Break Stuff' is the third ECM release from Vijay Iyer. It follows the chamber music recording 'Mutations' and the film-and-music project 'Radhe Radhe: Rites of Holi'.
Personnel: Vijay Iyer (piano), Stephan Crump (double bass), Marcus Gilmore (drums)
Description
Following the January 2015 release of 'Break Stuff' on CD - the ECM debut of the Vijay Iyer Trio - this compelling and stimulating album is now released in an audiophile vinyl pressing (2-LP set), with a free mp3 download included.
"Positioning, flow, calibration, order - each is keenly considered here, and each helps make this the trio's most compelling date so far. Balance is paramount. Iyer's interests trigger a wealth of ideas, and from the trio's rhythmic slant (one track conjures Robert Hood's crackling techno beats) to the pianist's keyboard touch (Andrew Hill's sense of stealth gets a nod at various points), the larger picture is always kept in view." - Jim Macnie, Downbeat *****
"This album can only strengthen Iyer's already substantial reputation." - Barry Witherden, BBC Music Magazine *****
"Cutting-edge music, but always accessible." - John Fordham, The Guardian
'Break Stuff', recorded in June 2014 at New York's Avatar Studio and produced by Manfred Eicher, is the third ECM release from Vijay Iyer. It follows the chamber music recording 'Mutations' and the film-and-music project 'Radhe Radhe: Rites of Holi'.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
Norma Winstone & Kit Downes
Oded Tzur
Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Dave Holland & Bill Frisell
Fred Hersch
John Taylor, Norma Winstone & Kenny Wheeler
Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek Quartet
John Surman
Conrad Herwig
Norma Winstone & Kit Downes
Oded Tzur
Su Rossy Girod, Nat Su, Jorge Rossy
Jonathan Salvi Arugula Sextet
Bob Baldwin
Steven Nichols
Orlando le Fleming
