Tony Oxley-The New World; Discus Music Records, 2023

 

Awareness of the mortal passing of British master percussionist Tony Oxley reached Disaster Amnesiac late last month, fully one month after he'd transitioned to whichever incarnation or non-incarnation his spirit would attain. I'd actually just ordered a copy of his record from last year, The New World, when I found out. Recorded in 2022 with percussionist Stefan Holker, it's a slow and steady burn over six pieces that all run together for a little bit over an hour's worth of subtle musical dialogue. It's no drum battle recording from Tony and Stefan. Instead, they dialogue with their drum kits (no photos of them on the cover, sadly), creating spaces that are filled with the more gestural techniques famously pioneered by the former and quite obviously well-studied by the latter. It's no hyperbole to say that Tony Oxley had a direct hand in inventing this type of drum set aesthetic. On this, what I'm assuming was one of his last sessions, he evinces said mastery for anyone with ear to hear it. Oxley's sound always struck this listener as having a deep visual appeal, in that it was easy to imagine structures such as abandoned factories or trellises, those sorts of things, as I listened. Across The New World's duration, Tony goes to those types of places again and again, abetted by his spare, simplified electronics sounds and Stefan's obvious simpatico. This duo lights a low key flame and kindles it as they move from zone to percussive zone, not in lock step but sounding out a deeper entrainment, one of zones and even regions, pulled from drums and cymbals an all of their varied contours. The New World feels like a reverent send off for a highly important improvisor. Check in on it, and let's hope that Tony Oxley's new world, whatever that may entail, is treating his spirit well.