During the late 70s, guitarist Tim Parr gathered a group of friends and musicians around a 4-track recorder and told everyone to let loose. Over time, snippets would be extracted from this free-form expression and eventually cobbled around a basic composition. But the adventurous improvisation and soloing never stopped. The result became The Pocket Orchestra. This highly talented, and major eccentric band consisted of Parr on guitar, Tim Lyons on bass, Bob Stearman on drums, Bill Johnson on cello, Craig Bork on keys and Joe Halajian on reeds.
Knebnagäuje consists of two collections of music from this band. "The Pocket Orchestra Tape" covers recordings from 1983. "The Knebnagäuje Tape" was recorded from 1978 through 1979. The music has a very thin composition surrounded by swirling improvisation and creative interaction among the members. "R.V." and "Letters" are the most accessible, where "Bagon" and "Blueing" are anarchy put to music. The combination of styles, where melodic elements are merged with chaos makes for a CD that is far better than expected.
If like me, you had never heard of The Pocket Orchestra or are not real keen about free-form, jazz tinged, avant-garde rock, I must tell you to put your prior feelings and inhibitions aside. This will not be a CD you spin every day, but when the mood is right, this CD challenges and entertains at the same time. That is a rare thing in today's paint by numbers music business.
Track Listing
The Pocket Orchestra Tape (1983)
1. Iman Bialdi (6:24)
2. R.V. (7:02)
3.Regiments (14:55)
4. Letters (13:50)
5. Blueing (7:13)
6. White Organ Meats (7:03)
7. Grandma Coming Down The Hall With A Hatchet (5:32)
8. Bagon (16:50)
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