Waisvisz, Michel / In Tune

Sonig

One might assume that an album by the director of the STEIM (STudio for Electro-Instrumental Music) in Amsterdam is a soundtrack for dusty libraries. But the new fulllength CD by Michel Waisvisz (inventor of the analogue and interactive Crackle Box, an electroacoustic sound-modulator controlled by STEIM software, Lisa), sounds anything but academic. A very musical, humorous, and extremely fresh approach on Waisvisz’s first album since 1978 colors these live recordings made between 1977 and 2000, edited by Sonig label head Frank Dommert. Amid morphing noise and strangely leaping reggae quotations, modulation sessions seemingly forgotten in time and space, and hard, metallic stacattos of chords outlines of songs and flashes of harmonies are always discernable. Waisvisz’ activities have been manifold and varied, moving between serious and light music. He has collaborated with both Laurie Anderson and Steve Lacy as well as the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.  For years, fans have made efforts to compel another release by the master, who has long voiced opposition to canned music (which he consideres soulless). In Tune, with its playfully absurd music for theater and anarchic arrangements for drums, finally delivers something special to lovers of innovative music.

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