The record WITHDRAWAL was released on Emanem in 1997. I know, it's not new, but it just landed in my CD player and I was completely taken over. These recordings dating back to 1966-1967 are superb : soft, delicate, emotion-driven, entrancing. To cry over. A must, as much for the historical relevance of these recordings as for the sheer beauty of the music. My strongest recommendation *****."
FRANÇOIS COUTURE - DELIRE ACTUEL CFLX 2000
"The Emanem label is to be congratulated for releasing WITHDRAWAL, an example of what the SME was up to as early as the middle sixties. It is also noteworthy for being the first recordings ever to have included the participation of Evan Parker and Barry Guy, two gentlemen who have made more than a little glorious noise over the last twenty years. More important than either of these nice historical features (and the excellent liner notes and photos), however is the music. Here too, WITHDRAWAL is a winner: it's not just important, it's very good. The late John Stevens was an extremely talented percussionist, composer and leader, and most of the two suites found on this disc amply demonstrate his substantial gifts.
The sound quality of both the mono Withdrawal and the stereo Seeing Sounds is bright and (except for Bailey, who's a bit distant) fairly clear.; The metallic percussion, in particular, is nicely miked. This disc is well worth the price, not just as evidence of something or other, but as the very thing itself."
WALTER HORN - CADENCE 1998 |
ARTISTS
Kenny Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion); Paul Rutherford (trombone, percussion); Trevor Watts (oboe, alto sax, flute & voice, percussion); Evan Parker (soprano sax, tenor sax, percussion); Derek Bailey (amplified guitar); Barry Guy (double bass, piano); John Stevens (drums, cymbals, percussion) |