Tide Tables – “Lost Birdsongs” – [Prefecture]

lombard   10/13/2009   A Library, CD

Tide Tables is a project featuring old friends Alexander Vittum and Paul Kikuchi. This 2009 release includes material recorded between 2005 and 2007, including some live performances. Kikuchi is also the man behind the label (Prefecture) and has spearheaded numerous other collaborations, including Open Graves (with Jesse Olsen).

Recently Alexander, Paul and Jesse performed live at KFJC under the name Tide Tables/Open Graves and a piece from that session is included on the new fundraiser compilation Live from the Devil’s Triangle 12.

Tide Tables centers around percussion and electronics. Alexander is a percussionist, composer and instrument-builder; so some of the sounds are the result of some amazing hand-crafted instruments. On this release they’re also joined by Daniel Carter (alto sax, flute, trumpet), Brian Drye (trombone), Matt Goeke (cello), Matt Crane (percussion) and Sam Weng (percussion). It’s improv, jazz-like, and atmospheric; drifting about these categories of sound with great skill.

Gorgeous sounds.