European free improv from 1999 by this line-up of European greats – Daunik Lazro (Fr), Paul Lovens (Gr), Annick Nozati (Fr) and Fred Van Hove (Bel).
Résumé Of A Century (FOU RECORDS FR – CD 65) captured this quartet at the Musique Action festival, where things went crazy in pretty short order. Perhaps it’s the unhinged vocal mannerisms and near-shriekery exploits of Nozati that inspire the other players towards this frolic in the halls of Bedlam – Lazro unleashes his inner honking goose to find its wings unclipped and it’s equipped with 18 extra purple beaks. Van Hove revisits some of his finest 1980s FMP moments, crashing waves of blocky chords like Cecil Taylor visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. That energy tornado sweeps through at least half of ‘Facing The Facts’ (30 mins of continual free-form genius blat), but stick around for the quieter segment to hear Van Hove squeezing his accordion with the passion of a melon-baller attacking a walnut, while Annick gasps out the dying embers of a lost language from her home planet.
For those undaunted by the manic bravura of that opening cut, you’ll be about 45% prepared for ‘Consequences’, where the twisting skeins of code and strategic dances steps are the next stage in this evolving language. Album was recorded by François Dietz, mastered by Jean Marc Foussat, and is dedicated to two of the team (Annick and Fred) who have since passed to the great conference-arena in the clouds. Maybe we need to hear more Annick Nozati records. Here, she sounds almost vindictive in her intense vocalised passion, ready to vent spleen at any scaly enemies who threaten our freedom. (25/09/2024)