"55: Music and Dance in Concrete" is a captivating avant-garde and free jazz album by the innovative composer and musician Wayne Horvitz, released on August 19, 2014, under the label Other Room Music. This 39-minute journey through 13 tracks is a testament to Horvitz's unique approach to music, blending improvisation with composition in a way that blurs the lines between the two.
The album is a departure from traditional jazz structures, with each track unfolding gradually and eschewing conventional solos. Instead, it presents a cohesive, immersive soundscape that is as much about atmosphere as it is about individual performances. The music is characterized by its psychedelic undertones, discordant moments, and seamless transitions between electronic and acoustic elements.
Horvitz's use of key signatures like D♯, C♯, and Bm, predominantly in major modes, adds a distinctive harmonic profile to the album. The tracks, titled with numbers, create a sense of continuity and progression, making the listening experience feel like a single, evolving piece.
Originally created for a site-specific multimedia context, "55: Music and Dance in Concrete" stands on its own as a remarkable piece of work. It challenges listeners to engage with the music on its own terms, offering a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to dive in.
Vinylscout