Matt Darriau / Paradox Trio
Flying at a Slant
Knitting Factory Works
Four talented musicians and instruments of unexpected origin: Bulgarian end-blown flute, Bulgarian bagpipe & “a small folk clarinet of possible Spanish origin that was acquired in Budapest.” The ever-increasing numbers of traditional and Eastern European (style) musicians committing “fusion” with other styles of contemporary and often very American music is a much debated topic (by me, at least). While it seems a logical progression, I just don’t like it. I think the inverse approach of making those kinds of music and applying the free-spirited meters and modes of gypsy and klezmer music to them to them would prove more fruitful to the Western ear. Much of the draw of Klezmer, for me and others for whom it holds no religious meaning , is the pure transportation. Nevertheless, the Knitting Factory has had a fundamental role in the current Klezmer revival. This is a brilliant disc that changes directions frequently, and often without notice. There are areas where this experimentation is less evident than others. It includes a Bèla Bartòk piece, “Rythme Bulgare #2.” “Andaluz” is thee standout. Knitting Factory Works, 74 Leonard St., New York, NY 10013; http://www.knittingfactory.com
