Vade Mecum cover

Vade Mecum

Released

Trumpeter Bill Dixon took his instrument as far into the realm of pure sound as anyone ever has. Using electronics and reverb and his own formidable technique, he emitted hisses and squeals and low growls that ignored traditional melody but somehow wound up almost impossibly beautiful. This 1993 album and its sequel feature two bassists, William Parker and Barry Guy, and drummer Tony Oxley scraping, droning and rattling around and behind Dixon as he squiggles and hums, seemingly to himself. Completely unstructured, it displays a remarkable beauty and cohesion nonetheless.

Phil Freeman

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