Doyle Electro-Acoustic Ens. – “Conspiracy Nation” – [Qbico]

Max Level   2/14/2006   12-inch, Jazz

Brilliant jazz, but in the weirdest sort of way. Arthur Doyle plays sax and flute, and throws in some nonsense vocals from time to time. The sound of the Ensemble is in constant flux; it’s a crazy stew full of abstract bebop, loose improv, and electronic washes. Doyle calls it “free jazz soul music”, and that about covers it, if such a thing includes Sun Ra-style spaciness and samples crackling along in the background. There are several places where Doyle lets the band do their thing and he doesn’t play at all, the sign of a savvy bandleader in my book. Recorded live at two clubs in upstate NY. The sound is muffled and distant, though; from what I have heard, he records his performances with a portable cassette recorder. Doyle’s a true original. You gotta check this out.