MOVIES

I first became aware of Michael Mantler's music through Tom Ozric who told me about this album he had called "The Hapless Child And Other Inscrutible Stories". He went on to tell me that Wyatt, Rypdal and DeJohnette were on that record. Well I just about fell over myself trying to find a copy. Unfortunately it is out of print. Well "Movies" might be the best next thing. Tony Williams on drums, Larry Coryell on guitar and Carla Bley on keyboards and sax is nothing to sneeze at. Then add Steve Swallow on bass and Michael Mantler on trumpet and we have a great band.

"Movie One" has such an enjoyable horn / guitar soundscape with light drums. Coryell does start to come to the fore after 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. "Movie Two" has keyboards and cymbals leading the way to start then it kicks in before a minute. Check out the guitar ! Trumpet leads 2 minutes in then the guitar is back as they trade off. "Movie Three" has this relaxed trumpet and sound then the keys and drums come in at 1 1/2 minutes as it gets fuller. It's still relaxed though. The trumpet blasts after 2 1/2 minutes then it settles back again. "Movie Four" is led by drums early then the horns come and go. This is intricate and complex. Guitar 2 minutes in then experimental sounds arrive 3 1/2 minutes in. Great track.

"Movie Five" is led by horns early with some nice prominant bass too. Guitar after 1 1/2 minutes starts to lead then the horns are back out front a minute later to the end. "Movie Six" has the horns blasting with background synths and odd metered drumming. Piano too. Great sound ! "Movie Seven" sees the guitar and drums kicking some ass ! Horns before a minute. Amazing stuff. Intense and intricate guitar lines late. "Movie Eight" has melancholic horns with piano. Drums then guitar after 2 minutes join in. Piano and bass only 3 1/2 minutes in. Horns and piano then lead as the guitar comes in late.

An excellent album from this Austrian and his next record "More Movies" might even be better.