The "Tetterettet" series, besides representing a substantial raid on the "t" drawer of a typesetter's box, were a series of compositions for a ten-piece group by Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg. He is often likely to fling one or two of these sections at a concert audience, and the more the better. This brilliant '70s release from the Dutch jazz scene has an entire side of these pieces, more evidence than ever before that as a composer, Mengelberg created with this collection of pieces an incredibly satisfying balance of his ...
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The "Tetterettet" series, besides representing a substantial raid on the "t" drawer of a typesetter's box, were a series of compositions for a ten-piece group by Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg. He is often likely to fling one or two of these sections at a concert audience, and the more the better. This brilliant '70s release from the Dutch jazz scene has an entire side of these pieces, more evidence than ever before that as a composer, Mengelberg created with this collection of pieces an incredibly satisfying balance of his noisy avant-garde instincts and obvious flair for both serious and comic written themes. A great instrumental lineup was assembled to play this music, which includes many complicated passages and stops on a ten-cent coin, about which it should be pointed out that the Dutch version of a dime is even smaller and thinner. Mengelberg's longtime rhythm section partner drummer Han Bennink is joined here by bassist Alan Silva, who along with guest saxophonists Peter Brötzmann and John Tchicai make sure a certain sort of meat is served when it comes to ensemble improvising sections. No fear of surly rioting here, the music is meticulously controlled, with the "Tetterettet" material seemingly organized to moderate a flow of different improvised groupings. The presence of players such as cellist Tristan Honsinger and Michel Waisvisz on his self-invented electronic "cracklebox" means some of this improvisation gets pretty far out. Trombonist Bert Koppelaar is a lesser known but dynamic and inspired soloist from this period who also wrote the illustrious tune "Ludwig's Blue Note."One of the most satisfying examples of this Mengelberg's group music, this album strongly deserves the deluxe reissue treatment. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi
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