Guitar, Drums 'n' Bass

Album Description

Derek Bailey, the revered elder statesman of avant-garde guitar, delivers a groundbreaking fusion of free improvisation and electronic beats with his 1996 album "Guitar, Drums 'n' Bass." Released under the Avant label, this experimental journey is a testament to Bailey's innovative spirit, recorded in his mid-sixties and showcasing his unparalleled mastery of the guitar.

The album is a unique blend of Bailey's spontaneous, nutty guitar improvisations layered over a DAT mix of jungle and drum 'n' bass rhythms, crafted in Bill Laswell's studio in New York. Each track offers a distinct sonic experience, with titles like "N/Jz/Bm (Re-Mix)" and "Re-Re-Re (Up-Mix)" hinting at the inventive remixing and up-mixing techniques employed. From the concrete textures of "Concrete (Cement-Mix)" to the deconstructed sounds of "Ninj (De-Mix)," the album is a sonic exploration that pushes the boundaries of free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental music.

Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, "Guitar, Drums 'n' Bass" is a concise yet impactful statement from one of the most influential figures in free improvisation. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bailey's work or a newcomer to the world of avant-garde guitar, this album offers a thrilling and unpredictable listening experience that continues to resonate over two decades after its release.

August 21, 1996

2017 diskunion

About Derek Bailey

Derek Bailey, born in Sheffield in 1930, was a pioneering British guitarist renowned for his groundbreaking work in free improvisation. Emerging from the trad-jazz scene, Bailey's career took a dramatic turn in the 1960s when he shifted his focus to experimental and avant-garde music. His innovative approach to the guitar, which he virtually reinvented, set him apart as one of the most influential and adventurous musicians of his time. Bailey's music was entirely based on improvisation, operating outside any pre-existing idiom, and his performances were always unique and unpredictable. Before his untimely death in 2005, Bailey left an indelible mark on the world of experimental music, inspiring countless musicians with his fearless exploration of sound and technique.