Thursday, March 24, 2011

Hugh Hopper: 1984 (1998)

Inspired by the atmosphere of George Orwell's novel and originally released in 1973, 1984 was bassist Hopper's first solo title. Hopper's work with Soft Machine had already revealed him as a strong and inventive writer. With his solo projects, Hopper was finally able to bring together his various musical interests--to stunning effect.
1984 includes pieces constructed with tape loops. Hopper was exposed to this form of composition in the mid-'60s, via (Soft Machine alumnus) Daevid Allen's interest in Terry Riley. 1984 also features rhythmic riffs that recall James Brown, with saxophones and bass lines actually getting close to funky. Players on hand include the cream of the British avant-rock world at the time: drummer John Marshall (who replaced Robert Wyatt in Soft Machine), saxophonists Gary Windo and Lol Coxhill, guitarist Pye Hastings (Caravan), and trombonists Nick Evans and Malcolm Griffiths.
Tracklist:
1.Miniluv 14:39
2.Minipax I 3:19
3.Minipax II 3:13
4.Minitrue 1:24
5.Miniplenty 17:03
6.Minitrue Reprise 3:18
7.Miniluv Reprise 5:03
Personnel:
Hugh Hopper - bass, piano, mellophone, percussion, handbells, voice, Soprano saxophone
John Marshall - drums, percussion
Pye Hastings - guitar
Lol Coxhill - Soprano saxophone
Nick Evans - trombone
Gary Windo - Tenor saxophone
Malcom Griffiths - trombone
1984
FileServe / Depositfiles @ 320K