Hence, these folks construct themes around unorthodox subject matter yet delve into the music with theatrical sensibilities. Throughout, the music is marked by pre-set ideologies and motifs often conveyed in whimsical or investigative fashion as the players portray vital roles within the context of the ongoing developments. The music is dense but never heavy or cluttered. It is mostly structured, in ways that allow for organic improvisations, and the old chestnut of composition versus improvisation is faced head on. If I enjoyed the totally improvised tracks most here, there is no doubt that the structured approach refreshes the tradition and leads to beautiful results.
Some pieces are inevitably more successful than others.
But, as I m sure all the contributors would agree, it s the playing that makes this one of this year s must-haves. The London Improvisers Orchestra proves that it is possible to expand the radical techniques of pioneers like Derek Bailey and Evan Parker and sustain them on a communal scale, a fantastic achievement.