NY vocalist Theo Bleckmann explores the expressive possibilities of the voice in an unfettered group context.

In Origami, Theo Bleckmann reports back on his explorations into the unsuspected emotional and expressive possibilities of the voice in an unfettered group context. The record is also a meticulously constructed, exquisitely detailed collection of songs that ranges across centuries, continents and musical styles for its inspiration. Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, provides a metaphor for how the music takes shape and enfolds the listener.

Building on his previous Songlines collaboration with guitarist Ben Monder and electric bassist Skuli Sverrisson, No Boat, Bleckmann creates lush environments through overdubbing and live electronic layering, embedding the often wordless vocals in diverse rhythms and textures. Shifting from song to sound and from composition to improvisation, he displays a mercurial aesthetic that encompasses (at least) jazz, folk, minimalism, ambient, noise, and free improv. His original compositions, combining jazz and American classical influences (Ives, Copland), and with an occasional nod to his countryman Bach, often reference a chorale-like serenity.

The title piece, 'Origami,' is Bleckmann's setting of a poem by Reiko Aoki and is sung in Japanese. Other songs include medieval French master Guillaume de Machaut's 'Douce Dame Jolie' and Brecht/Eisler's moving anti-Nazi song 'To the Little Radio'. As for the two jazz standards, 'I Remember You' seems caught in some trip-hop psychedelic deconstruction of time, whereas 'Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries' is autumnal retrospection and heartfelt hymn.

Layering and silence are as much a part of this music as surprise and reflection. With its subtle overlaps of ethereality and pathos, sublimity and dread, knowingness and outright irreverence, ironic detachment and tenderness, Origami cultivates the art of music-making with and beyond language.

Also featuring Matt Moran (vibes) and John Hollenbeck (drums/percussion); 24 bit recording.

Track Listing

• DNA
• Douce dame jolie
• None of the Above
• Origami
• Static Still
• Alloy
• I Remember You
• Like Brother and Sister
• Nova Scotia
• An den kleinen Radioapparat
• Without Sky/Rhombicosidodecahedron
• Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 59 mins

Release Date: 03/17/01

UPC: 774355153420