Whit Dickey's 'Fierce Silence' is a captivating album that showcases the drummer's incredible versatility and musical chemistry with cornetist Kirk Knuffke. Released on the esteemed Clean Feed label in July 2016, this collection of improvised duos is a masterclass in free jazz and avant-garde expression.
With a runtime of 46 minutes, the album takes the listener on a journey through a range of emotions and textures, from the subtle nuances of 'The Calling' to the intense, swirling grooves of 'Legba's Dance'. Throughout the album's 10 tracks, including 'Fierce Silence', 'Step Back', and 'Ashes', Dickey's drumming is characterised by its freestanding melodicism, recalling the great Max Roach, while also displaying a loose, net-like quality that expertly supports Knuffke's cornet without overpowering it.
The result is an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, with Dickey and Knuffke's improvisations conveying a sense of spontaneity and creativity. 'Fierce Silence' is a testament to the enduring power of jazz to evoke emotions, spark imagination, and push the boundaries of musical expression. Recorded in October 2015 and produced by Dickey, this album is a must-listen for fans of innovative, boundary-pushing music.
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