"Schweben - Ay, but Can Ye?" is a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde music, helmed by the renowned Barry Guy in collaboration with the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra. Released on January 1, 2012, under the Maya Recordings label, this album is a testament to Guy's innovative compositional prowess and the orchestra's virtuosity.
The album's centerpiece is the 47-minute composition "Schweben - Ay, but Can Ye?", which seamlessly blends written and improvised sections, recorded live at the 'Stringfest' double bass festival at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2009. The title draws from a Kandinsky painting, translating to "to float," and the music indeed seems to levitate, defying conventional structures and expectations.
The album begins with Edwin Morgan's reading of his Scots poem "Ay, but Can Ye?", providing a lyrical and linguistic foundation for the musical journey that follows. The final track features Morgan discussing the influential Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, adding a literary dimension to the album's avant-garde spirit.
Barry Guy's direction and the orchestra's performance create a dynamic and thought-provoking sonic landscape, making "Schweben - Ay, but Can Ye?" a standout release in the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music. The album's unique blend of poetry, improvisation, and composition offers a rich and engaging experience for any discerning music enthusiast.
Vinylscout