Crow Country

Australian Ross Bolleter's new disc features five compositions. Four of them are solo works: "Unfinished Business" for ruined piano; "Under Rookwood" for double bass; "Labyrinth Tango" for accordion; and "Piano Dreaming" for ruined pianola. "That Time (Simulplay II)" is for a duo of prepared piano and double bass. Of course, with Ross, this thumbnail description tells not much of the story. So we'll let Ross say a few words. Step on down. "During the drought that never ended at Nallan Sheep Station I confess to recording on the Ruined Piano at night. I'd hide in the freezing shed crouched under the piano waiting for Dave to turn off the TV, switch off the generator and go to bed. Straight after, I would drag up an oil drum, feel the broken teeth of the Pianola under my fingers, then play con bravura passione for the applause of millions of cicadas through the shivery shuddery graveyard shift." Hmmmm...