Released 2009 Length 108:48 Release date 17 November 2009 | Recorded July 8–10, 2008 Label Firehouse 12 | |
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Studio Firehouse 12, New Haven Similar Envoi, November 1981, Papyrus Volume I, Vade Mecum, Vade Mecum II | ||
Tapestries for Small Orchestra is an album by American jazz trumpeter Bill Dixon, which was recorded in 2008 and released on Firehouse 12 Records. The triple disc set includes two audio CDs of specially commissioned original music plus a documentary film featuring interviews and session footage. The small orchestra is a nine-piece group with personnel drawn, for the most part, from the large ensemble that recorded 17 Musicians in Search of a Sound: Darfur a year before.
Contents
Reception
The Down Beat review by Bill Shoemaker states "Tapestries for Small Orchestra is the most persuasive, comprehensive case for Bill Dixon’s iconic status since November 1981 and perhaps even his 1966 landmark orchestra album, Intents and Purposes.
The All About Jazz review by John Sharpe states "Each track is a treasure trove of cohesive detail executed to wonderful effect. While full explication is beyond the scope of this review, this is essential listening for anyone interested in the state of contemporary jazz orchestration."
In a review for the BBC Bill Tilland claims "The music defies classification and is sometimes ‘difficult’, but Dixon’s academic sensibilities are clearly energised by a soulful, passionate aesthetic." The JazzTimes review by Chris Kelsey states "Dixon takes full advantage of the sound-making possibilities inherent in the grouping, and his manner of combining tonal shapes parallels his visual art."
Track listing
All compositions by Bill DixonDisc One:
- "Motorcycle '66: Reflections & Ruminations" - 13:30
- "Slivers: Sand Dance for Sophia" - 9:20
- "Phrygian II" - 16:04
- "Adagio: Slow Mauve Scribblings" - 17:30
Disc Two:
- "Allusions I" - 9:08
- "Tapestries" - 12:29
- "Durations of Permanence" - 14:45
- "Innocenenza" - 16:02
Personnel
Songs
1Motorcycle '66: Reflections & Ruminations13:35
2Slivers: Sand Dance for Sophia9:25
3Phrygian II16:06