Emanen
Phil Minton : A Doughnut in both hands -solo singing 1975-1982- (UK,re.1996?)***°°
One of the people involved in and famous for his voice experiments in a free music way, using it as an interesting instrument was Phil Minton who used his voice to experiment starting in the 70's. One of his first recordings was in a vocal group called "Voice" with Brian Eley, Maggie Nicols & Julie Tipett also know for their free music voices. Freeest examples of improvisation might be found in duo with John Butcher and Roger Tuner. These recordings are varied and a amazing rewarding listening experience, not really uneasy to apreciate, while non idea is longer than its spontanuous extraction of ideas is needed to express its full nature.
The first 5 tracks are completely musically conceptual ideas of voice experiment on its own. The next few tracks work like almost comical stories told with voice-noises. The recordings followed herafter recorded in 1975 works more like experimental songs, like acid free-ethno experiences ("The Wood Songs") and a kind of free acid-opera style. These first 15 songs were originally issued on LP by Fred Frith's personal label in 1981.
The extra tracks derived mostly from the same sessions. Three of these bonus tracks are less pleasant in sound as the rest, but still interesting. But the interpretation of Lou Glanfield's poem "Psalm of Evolution" again is remarkable breathtaking storytelling in voice's sounds.
The picture of the cover (which seems 2 hands that are pressing something) expresses a bit the feeling the music gives to me : as if the abilities of the voice are pressed out in its skills, (but for these pressed out forms are in fact donuts, so that same voice is at the same time) ready to be a donut for consumption.. Very good, and accessible and also acceptable as permanent listing experience, an ability free music is not always free to give, while some experiences are not fine enough to fit in various moments of listening.
