Lost Marbles

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde sonic universe of Alvin Curran with "Lost Marbles," a captivating album released on March 23, 2004, via the esteemed Tzadik label. This collection of 11 tracks, spanning a total of 1 hour and 11 minutes, is a testament to Curran's pioneering spirit in live electronic music and his status as one of America's most adventurous composers. With a career spanning back to the late 1960s, Curran's eclectic path is evident in the diverse genres and styles that "Lost Marbles" encompasses, including avant-garde, free jazz, experimental, and minimalism.

The album kicks off with "Toto Angelica," setting the stage for a journey through Curran's unique sonic landscapes. Tracks like "Maritime Rites-Wasserkorso" and "Inner Cities 2" showcase his ability to blend environmental sounds with intricate compositions, while "Erat Verbum John" and "Romulus And Remus Make A Ruckus" highlight his experimental and improvisational prowess. Each piece is a standalone exploration, yet together they form a cohesive body of work that reflects Curran's extensive experience and innovative approach to music.

"Lost Marbles" is not just an album; it's an experience that challenges and engages the listener from start to finish. Whether you're a longtime fan of Alvin Curran or new to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that underscores why Curran is a trailblazer in the world of avant-garde and experimental music.

March 23, 2004

2004 Tzadik

About Alvin Curran

Alvin Curran, born in Providence, Rhode Island, is a pioneering American composer and sound artist who has been a seminal figure in experimental music since the late 1960s. Known for his innovative use of electronics and environmental found sounds, Curran's work spans a wide range of genres, including avant-garde, free jazz, and minimalism. He co-founded the influential group Musica Elettronica Viva with Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, and his compositions often blend lyricism with chaos, structure with indeterminacy. Curran's extensive career includes creating sound installations, solo performances, and music for various ensembles. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Mills College and the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica in Rome, where he currently resides and continues to inspire with his eclectic and adventurous approach to music.