WINTER SONGS

Art Bears was founded by RIO geniuses Chris Cutler and Fred Frith, after disbanding of the legendary Henry Cow. Dagmar Krause came along with them, after participating in one of the best (because of her presence, if you ask me) Henry Cow album Western Culture. Art Bears consistsed of only 3 people, but how much much music they make! Winter Song is dense, dark, pastoral and of course, with Cutler writing lyrics, political, however the theme is very medieval. Which I don´t mind personally, as the music is so origina and different from anything you ever heard, and at the same time so beautifully composed and arranged. Every member of this trio is at the highest peak of his or her talent. Cutler´s percussion work is unforgettable, Frith is outdoing himself as a composer and playing on many instruments, most prominent organ, guitars and violin. And Krause is nothing less but another genius. Her voice is so special and her use of this unearthly instrument is so original, quite dark but beautiful at the same time! It's a shame I have only 5 stars to give :-)