Galut-Ballads of Wadi-Sabi Alan Sondheim for ZADL; Esp-Disk' 5076, 2023

 

New product from Alan Sondheim is always welcome at chez Amnesiac, wherever that may be, and it's really nice to have received said product in the form of Galut direct from Alan's Providence RI digs. The album documents collaborations with alto saxophone player Edward Schneider and upright bass player Rachel Rosenkrantz, along with pieces with Alan's long-time partner Azure Carter. The ones with Rosenkrantz and Schneider feature sounds of a particularly "ESP Disk'" nature, in that they go to some very surreal zones. The sonic territories found by the group on tunes such as Myanmar (Alan on percussion!) and Shaku will surely delight listeners who crave that particular feel in their music. Disaster Amnesiac has certainly felt transported to some Manhattan loft in 1964 as I've hallucinated along to them! The spirit of free musical movement lives on in Galut! 

Along with the group playing, Galut shows Alan Sondheim's continuing development on many stringed instruments. As with all of his of recorded output, it's fascinating to hear him stretch the bounds of physicality with his fingers on tracks such as Bombrun (acoustic guitar) or evoke rural sunrises/sunsets on Cifteli (some other stringed axe). It's been stated so many times at this blog, but it bears repeating that Alan's pushing and skittering playing aesthetics are wonderful to hear and that they always present compelling listening experiences. The way that he just goes for it on Rsh is a fine example of what I'm talking about. One just has to hang on for the ride, trust me, it's worth it for the perceptive brain. 

Disaster Amnesiac would be remiss to not mention the tunes featuring Azure Carter. Her questing, questioning alto singing of lyrics on Notawar and Beforethefield evince the continuing developments between her and Alan. Their simpatico, and its evolution shows no signs of ceasing, and it's always cool to hear. 

Galut represents both new paths forged and explorations of familiar areas from the vast sound world of Alan Sondheim. As such, it should be welcomed by both long-time fans and newly minted ones. It's Disaster Amnesiac's hope that is sells like a million copies. The United States needs something like this to happen, hell, the entire world could use that! If anyone has worked for and deserves that type of appreciation, it's Alan Sondheim! 

Lastly, what does ZADL stand for? ESP Disk' products, so mysterious, always!