Kopros Lithos by EFG - Peter Evans, Agustí Fernández, Mats Gustafsson

Evans/Gustafsson/Fernandez Trio was formed in 2009 even though the musicians had time and again co-operated and performed together before. They set off for their first concert tour in December 2009.
The material on the album was recorded at a concert on December 12, 2009 at the Dragon Club in Poznań (Poland).
This very special evening was filled with opalescent improvised music. Preparation and modification of instruments as well as references to entirely separate musical genres (free improvisation, avant-garde, independent rock, baroque and classical music, flamenco) were fundamental sources of inspiration and ideas. They show music as an unrestrained journey, free from any repressions or stylistic borders.
Nonetheless, they have one common denominator: strong roots in traditional free jazz and affection of noise and tumult reminiscent of European avant-garde.
A remarkable trio and a unique opportunity to listen to how three improvisers build music community.

Trio Evans / Gustafsson / Fernandez rozpoczęło swoją działalność w roku 2009, chociaż muzycy świetnie się znają i nie raz wspólnie występowali. Po raz pierwszy jednak wyruszyli w koncertową trasę w trio w grudniu 2009.
Materiał na płytę powstał podczas koncertu w poznańskim klubie Dragon, 09.12.2009.
Ten wyjątkowy wieczór wypełniła muzyka improwizowana, mieniąca się rozmaitymi barwami, w której tak preparacje i przeróbki instrumentów, jak również nawiązania do skrajnie odmiennych stylistyk [free improv, awangardowy, niezależny rock, muzyka barokowa i klasyczna, flamenco] są nieodzownym źródłem inspiracji i pomysłów ukazując muzykę jako nieskrępowaną ograniczeniami czy stylistycznymi granicami podróż. Wspólnym jednak mianownikiem będzie mocne osadzenie muzyki w tradycji free jazzu, pełnego zgiełku i wrzasku, bliższemu jednak europejskiej tradycji awangardowej. Niezwykłe trio i unikalna okazja usłyszenia jak trzech improwizatorów buduje muzyczną wspólnotę.

Jazz Word
There's no percussion on Kopros Lithos, but that doesn't stop it from being the most stentorian of the three sets. Between Evans' flighty squeals and wide-bore grace notes plus Gustafsson's verbal shouts, tongue slaps and growls from his baritone sax, there's enough discordance to go around. On a track such as "You displaced me by your singing", Fernández adds to the general din by continuously rubbing and plucking his piano strings as well as clattering various objects placed upon them. At the same time it's his methodical key-stopping which guides the trumpeter's tongue fluttering and the saxophonist's metal-scrapping honks to a more melodic interface.
Perhaps those connective timbres from the keyboard also define the message behind another track title: "My fingers were glue". Certainly Fernández's pressure firmly shapes the parallel improvising from the horns. Here Evans buzzes and whinnies as if a metal sheet is pressed against his horn's bell, while Gustafsson contributes high velocity snorts and brays.
Fernández's pianistic control while improvising in a non-conventional manner is a tribute to his skill. It's also another indication why any and all of these discs are satisfying listens.
autor: Ken Waxman

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