Bob Downes - Open Music: Episodes At 4am

70s ballet score from British jazz innovator

Multi-instrumentalist Bob Downes plays a busy little part in the development of 60s British modern jazz. By the early 70s the “scene” had scattered all over the place, and Bob Downes, with his Open Music theories, had progressed into newer areas of freedom and expression. This album is easier on the ears than his earlier, harder jazz experiments of the late 60s. It’s gentle, spooky, even a little surreal in parts – not unlike the 1930s sculpture that inspired it all in the first place. The recording was originally commissioned for ballet; you’ll sit and imagine the shapes they must have been throwing on stage in 1974 as the music chimes, bongs and vibrates around your room. And the CD comes with bonus recordings Downes made on the streets of NYC, mainly using phone boxes by the sounds of things. It’s a curious, soporific listen, and an interesting musical way to end the day.

Paradigm | PD 24

Reviewed by Jonny Trunk
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