LONELY HEART

Fred Frith, former Henry Cow guitarist, in late 70s moved to NY, where founded down town power trio with bassist Bill Laswell and drummer Fred Maher. After first release drummer gone, and their next albums were recorded with drummer Charles Hayward. Next one came in 1998 only and became their last (to time) studio release.

In 2001 the group released Meltdown, a six-track set recorded at Robert Wyatt's Meltdown Festival in London in June 2001. "Lonely Heart" was released in 2007.

Fred Frith plays heavy, sometimes fast, and often hard core guitar improvs there on this recording. In fact , all the album is some long improvs for radical electric guitar, with support of rhythm section. Drumming is jazzy and great, Bill Laswell bass is not so impressive, and a bit back-up.

Fred Frith guitar speed and techniques are fantastic there. For sure, as often with free form improv music, unprepared listener will hardly find there any structure or concept. I find it attractive to enjoy excellent electric guitar work and free jazz rhythm section support though.

This album's music was recorded more than decade later after first hard core Naked City releases (with Fred Frith on bass). It's really interesting to hear some ideas and experience Frith brings there on his Massacre project from collaboration with Zorn and guitarist Bill Frisell on Naked City.

Really interesting release for fans of hard core guitar avant jazz fans. Not sure how attractive this music could be for symphonic prog lovers :).

My rating is 3,5, rounded to 4.