Rutherford

Evan Parker, Paul Rutherford, Barry Guy, John Stevens - 4,4,4, (1993) {Konnex}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 385 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 159 Mb
Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb
© 1993 Konex | KCD 5049
Jazz / Free Jazz / Modern Creative / Avant-Garde Jazz

This was one of the stranger recordings issued by Konnex at the time, in that the band listed as playing 4,4,4 (in five parts) isn't the only band on the record. After the quartet's five selections are played through, a new band consisting of Stevens with violinist Nigel Coombes and guitarist Roger Smith improvises "Surfaces" for over 23 minutes! There is no information on the front cover to denote such a thing. Oh well, those Brits. As for the seasoned quartet on "4,4,4," strange, haunting, and beautiful are the words that describe the result of their latest collaboration.

This solid solo undertaking from the stalwart Genesis bassman shouldn't disappoint Genesis fans. Rutherford has recruited some prog heavyweights to serve as his band here: Anthony Phillips plays the Keyboards, Morris Pert (Brand X & later Talk Talk) provides percussion, and the estimable Simon Phillips (Eno/801, Pete Townshend, etc.) is behind the drum kit, thundering away on his trademark double bass drums. As well, Noel McCalla is a fine singer. The songwriting is equally up to the high standards of the band: apart from Hackett's work, this is the best of the solo Genesis outings. In classic prog fashion, the lyrics are written around a single concept (the life of a lonely "nobody" in a dead-end job) and the tracks all run together…