For the Time, Being
Andy Haas
Resonant Music 019 (andyhaas.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-time-being)
Be ready for the unexpected: intense, at times blasting loud, unforgettable, disturbing, boundary-pushing avant guard jazz/improvised/composed music in this solo release by Canadian experimental saxophonist Andy Haas.
After performing with Toronto’s Martha and the Muffins, Haas moved to New York City in 1984 where he collaborated with avant-garde musicians John Zorn, Marc Ribo and others. Here, four decades later, Haas controls self-generated tremolos, guitar pedals, extreme panning and manipulated vinyl LPs while playing saxophone to create unique, multi-layered sonic landscapes. Haas suggests listening on a good low-end response system to get the full effect.
This is not noise; Haas has thought out his music well in these seldom heard frequencies. Opening (de)compose starts with repeated different pitch notes. Drama is created as the repeated notes get a little slower, then are separated by silences then back to repeats. Swells, drones, low grumbles, descending pitch effects, intriguing at times squeaky sax notes create a chaotic feel. The next tracks expand on these sonic ideas. But Still Madness has different higher sound colours with a sudden change to lower pitches. Clear sections with an unexpected louder crashing element add intensity midstream in the noisy A Strange Nothingness. Its louder closing effects add an unexpectedly reflective nature to the work.
Haas’ undefinable perplexing music is highlighted by low frequency machines and saxophone effects in this brilliant sound experiment. It may be difficult listening, but it’s well worth the effort!
Listen to 'For the Time, Being' Now in the Listening Room
