Lehn/Strid - Here There

As Fylkingen, the Swedish-founded arts society, celebrates its 70th year of support for progressive contemporary arts, these two 7” releases indicate just where the group continues to get its inspiration. Although it began as an organization to sustain eccentric modes of chamber music, Fylkingen has evolved into a multi-tasking authority with duties that extend far into the creative ether, perhaps most importantly – at least for those of us outside earshot – in maintaining its own record label. Indeed, Fylkingen is one of the pioneers of the latest strains of electro-acoustic music, having taken (seized?) in part the reins from European counterparts in the mid- to late-80’s. Most of the musicians (mostly Swedes) in the label’s catalog remain puzzlingly obscure, even in this time of growth and barely containable evolution for electro-acoustic improvisation.

The painfully teasing music contained in Irregular and Here/There comes from two separate pairings – two duos which match up an electronics artist with a musician primarily submerged in the free jazz ethic. Irregular teams Czech sound artist Martin Klapper with Swedish saxophonist Martin Küchen, whose recent contributions in the Unsolicited Music Ensemble and his own Exploding Customer have made him a secret international lodestone of sorts. The 7” finds him exclusively on baritone saxophone, which his enthusiasts will find a welcome, exciting departure from the smaller horns. The two favorably mend their sounds, both shifting seamlessly from percussive to more tonally somatic roles. Klapper’s punk tendencies find their way into the music by way of an arsenal of amplified objects, from toys to electronic gadgets, all of which are played with considerable control and moderation. Metallic shimmers and digital hums are wonderfully colored by Küchen’s explorations, with the baritone dropping periodic sputters and carefully executed tones into the environment.

Here/There makes a wonderful counterpart to the Klapper/Küchen record, with music that comes off perhaps more reflective due in part to Swedish drummer Raymond Strid’s (Unsolicited Music Ensemble, Gush, Barry Guy New Orchestra) alert temperance. He is joined by Thomas Lehn, that German keyboardist best known for his works with analog synthesizers. Lehn is no stranger to duos with percussionists, to which his highly lauded recordings with Gerry Hemingway can attest. He finds in Strid an equally imaginative foil, resilient to the urges of both conformity and aggressive departure. Recorded in late 2000, Here/There provides a particularly rare opportunity for fans of Strid to hear him in the subdued atmospheres often found in this brand of improv.

These 7” releases are, of course, limited. Die-hard vinyl enthusiasts are likely to find the sound to be among the best in their medium. And fans of both electro-acoustic music and contemporary improvisation are encouraged to take note.

-Alan Jones