Discover 3 fractal releases with free Bandcamp download codes from independent artists and labels.
On “Zodos Vol.2”, Madrid based alto saxophonist-composer Álvaro Pérez and New York based guitarist-composer Álvaro Domene present six new original pieces of exploratory creative music for alto saxophone and seven string electric guitar which delve into and beyond the wide spectrum of functions and textures that these two instruments can adopt individually and with each other. On this second volume, their chamber-like compositional structures feature faster tempi, hockets, and elements of unison, both rhythmic and melodic, which take priority in place of the more abstract and textural passages from the first release. The duo brings virtuosity to the sensitive requirements of this remarkably labyrinthine music, which calls for deep instrumental dexterity and an acute awareness for leveling out all of the components of their language to generate a singular aural result that, often times, feels as if it had a three-dimensional tactile element to it. The six pieces that form the second volume of "Zodos" reveal two performers in peak form, each of whom displays his abilities to the fullest, at the vanguard of repertoire development for this particular instrumentation.
Here on ZODOS 3, the two Álvaros are creating startlingly excellent musical constructions and personal expressions that are a new branch of the tree of Fractal math used conceptual seeds in musics. I’ve always let Fractal math guide me in improvisations, so it’s something I know and recognize. The two gentlemen on ZODOS 3 have found many new ways to advance these methodologies. It’s obvious to see the references in the titles of the album’s pieces. But as one who has “seen the elephant”, the music here is truly ground-breaking, elegant and as expressive as only the best improvisations can be. Without getting too technical and specific, Domene’s use of pedals and digital processing is not just at the cutting edge of guitar-slinging. Still, it’s also at the cutting edge of real-time creation of improvised and complex musical structures that could only exist through his advanced and innovative use of exotic delay pedals. I believe that the two Álvaros also developed novel recording and arrangement strategies that reflect the musical structures that come from both their brains and the serendipity of the delays. I could teach a weekend workshop by just listening to this album. And it’s not just abstract musical intellectualism. One of my heroes, Ali Akbar Khan, once told me that music is food for the soul and spirit. I especially find this sort of nourishment in listening to this record. We live in a Fractal World - read up on Fractals in nature and especially coastlines. See if you then hear some of that in this excellent music. And then, the music can open the door to new ways to experience the Universe around you." Henry Kaiser. December 31, 2022 All music by Álvaro Domene [seven string electric guitar] and Álvaro Pérez [alto saxophone].
"Standards, the new album from Domene and frequent collaborator Álvaro Pérez is out now via Iluso Records, and, in typical Domene fashion, it's an absolute brain-buster. If you're into the truly avant-garde side of jazz and guitar music, it’s well worth your time. The take on Mancini’s “Days of Wine and Roses” is one of those sublime moments when experimental music also hits you straight in the heart." - Wolf Rambatz "What the two Álvaros have done here is unique and novel. Jazz standard playing means many different things to many different players and listeners. Here, these two gentlemen have found new implications and personal expressions for standards that nobody has ever approached or explored before. They have brilliantly illuminated aspects of the standards recorded here that no past listeners have ever been exposed to. I suggest you listen with open ears and open minds and prepare to be astonished. Prepare yourselves not to be cuddled and coddled by the familiar expectations of listening to jazz musicians playing standards that have been played millions of times before. Be prepared for a listening voyage through time warps and space warps to new dimensions; far beyond where ANY jazz players have been before." - Henry Kaiser
