chicago underground duo

Age Of Energy

Cosmically inclined post-jazz and electroacoustic alchemy from the adventuous multi instrumentalist duo of Rob Mazurek (Starlicker, The Sao Paulo Underground, Exploding Star Orchestra) and Chad Taylor (Marc Ribot Trio, Side A (Ken Vandermark, Havaard Wiik), Digital Primitives)."Developed during 2009 when the duo toured the east and west coasts, most of the material on the record was recorded live with very few overdubs. thematically, Age Of Energy is concerned with the balance between controlled and uncontrolled experiences. Cmputers, keyboards and drum machines pulse alongside ancient instruments like the African Mbira. 'Winds and Sweeping Pines' opens with Chad and Rob playing synthesizers and electronics, gradually as the piece develops, Chad switches to drums and Rob switches to Cornet and they improvise over a blistering bass vamp in classic Chicago Underground Duo style. 'It's Alright' is a piece making extensive use of electroacoustics, starting with a drone which incorporates extreme high and low frequencies. The electronics are overdriven with results of both known and unknown nature. 'Castle In Your Heart' is based on a traditional Shona song from Zimbabwe and constitutes the only acoustic composition. 'Age of Energy' alternates between a 21/8 and a 12/8 rhythmic cycle over a dissonant pedal point. This track was also recorded live in the studio, without any overdubs."