04/24/2024
Sound Experiments: The Music of the AACM by Paul Steinbeck
Includes historical context for the development of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and biographical info of musician-members, in particular Nicole Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, AACM Great Black Ensemble, Fred Anderson, George Lewis, Air Time, Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, and Muhal Richard Abrams.
It is FUN to listen to the music being described and follow along with the notes and notation, especially the non-standard notation employed for non-standard sound tools and free-form movements.
There is a bit of heavy analysis within these pages, but I think most of the book is written in a style that can be enjoyed from a listener/fan perspective.
I especially enjoyed Chapter 9 on Nicole Mitchell’s Mandorla Awakening, an album in my regular rotation since its release on FPE in 2017. I’d been happy surrendering myself to the sound and letting it paint my thoughts with its beautiful curiosities, but this reading granted a new depth. I began to hear more storytelling in greater detail. Took note of the entrance of movements, themes, and solos. Then it then became more of a theatrical presentation in my mind. Shakespearean. Included also is a page of Mitchell’s written music. Another layer to aid in our understanding of intent. She rules. I'm a huge fan.
The previous 8 chapters get the same treatment. If you’re a person who likes to sit down and listen to music like this, I think you would also enjoy listening to it while reading this book.
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You can get a copy in our shop on 58 N. 6th or online at https://boopsnyc.com/products/sound-experiments-the-music-of-the-aacm