"Digital Wildlife," released on March 1, 2015, is a captivating exploration into the avant-garde and experimental realms of music, crafted by the innovative guitarist and composer Fred Frith. This album, released under the Winter and Winter label, is a testament to Frith's eclectic and inventive approach to music, blending elements of free jazz, tango, and abstract rock into a cohesive and intriguing sonic landscape.
The album features five tracks: "Digital Wildlife," "Image in and Atom," "The Prisoners' Dilemma," "Touch I Risk," and "Close to Home." Each piece is a multilayered collage of sounds, drawing from live improvisations and meticulously mixed into a densely overlapping tapestry of machine music. Fred Frith's heavily distorted electric guitar weaves through the compositions, creating a unique blend of chamber-classical, abstract rock, and folk influences.
"Digital Wildlife" is a collaborative effort, with contributions from Miya Masaoka on koto and electronics, Larry Ochs on tenor and soprano saxophone, and Joan Jeanrenaud. The album's production involves a team of skilled engineers and producers, including Peter Hardt, Myles Boisen, and Adrian von Ripka, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
The album has garnered critical acclaim, with Allmusic awarding it 3½ stars and JazzTimes praising its innovative and eclectic nature. Fans of progressive rock and experimental music will find "Digital Wildlife" to be a compelling addition to their collection, showcasing Fred Frith's enduring legacy in contemporary music.
Vinylscout