It all began back in 1963 with “Music For The Gift” that saw Terry Riley first publicly embark on intrepid sonic manipulations in the company of such luminary as Chet Baker – the experiments with facilitated the appearance of hugely influential "A Rainbow In Curved Air" and "In C" further down the line. Only, being a highly original artist, the veteran never lost his love for jazz – and for France, and these two affections inform his latest album, a very unusual one.
Standard(S)and:
Kobuchizawa Sessions #1
Devised in Japan before Terry moved there in 2020, and released just there for now, the record titled “Standard(S)and: Kobuchizawa Sessions #1” – the title referring to both its content and its predecessor, 2022’s “The Sands” – includes a few Riley compositions alongside familiar pieces nobody could hope to hear in his delivery. Irving Berlin, Thelonious Monk, Hart and Rogers and other musical material? All of these are given a peculiar, singular TR treatment here, with a platter’s cover reflecting Gallic landscapes. And, judging by the subtitle, there should be more. Amazing!
1. Isn’t It Romantic
2. Blue Room
3. The Best Thing For You (Would Be Me)
4. ‘Round Midnight
5. Ballade For Sara & Tadashi (Piano)
6. Pasha Rag
7. Ballade For Sara & Tadashi (Synth)
8. Yesterdays
9. It Could Happen To You
10. Gotcha Wakatcha
