re: AMM, and more specifically, writing about improvisation. I’ve found Eddie Prevost’s writing to be almost impenetrable and not easily engaging. John Tilbury’s playing, on the other hand, is beautiful. The Just Reproach, with Oren Ambarchi (guitar, electronics), is a great example of good Improvisation, imo (of course) - it also helps to recognize when the players themselves are listening, and not talking over one another–babbling, with a total disregard for each other.
Acoustic, electronic, electro-acoustic improvisation etc. doesn’t necessarily need to be tied to an idiom / style / genre / whatever… I think (with music and sound art), a lot of it has to do with listening… it’s fascinating to hear how people react to one another, the choices they make (musical gestures, choosing to not play etc.), and where they end up, sonically. I think people get caught up in predetermined musical language, and it’s refreshing to hear music that doesn’t rely so much on a ‘bag of tricks’, as it does on sensitivity and a “fresh approach”, for lack of a better idea / description.
I was delighted to find a recent, unfamiliar Tilbury recording on Bandcamp - http://konvojrecords.bandcamp.com/album/seagull-sonatas - and I’m happy to report that it’s good.
another favorite (not involving John Tilbury) - http://cathnor.bandcamp.com/album/boring-embroidery - this one’s excellent.
