Bill Dixon
Son of Sisyphus

★★★

Bill Dixon's work has shown to be quite unique and abstract, here he reaches for that same sense of abstractness but for me, it falls a bit short. While the atmosphere is quite palpable and quartet choice is interesting (the usual bass and drums, but also Dixon on piano and trumpet, and a tuba player), it fails to reach any peaks or rewarding moments.

I really commend Dixon's continued approach into the unknown, or unexplored regions of jazz; pushing the boundaries on not only what could be considered jazz music, but music in general. The fluid filled and jagged textures seep through every part of this album, and in effect it stays fairly consistent and whole.

I just have more of a problem with the restraint it seems to have. While I do appreciate the use of space and silence in any piece of music, it seems that this didn't really come off as intelligent as it could have. Especially with an instrument like a tuba at your disposal, I guess I wished for something that would put some life into this album. 

I've enjoyed a lot of Dixon's work, this is one which is in his later period however. While I don't want to say he's become more tame, to the average listener it can come off that way. I'm sure he had a very captivating idea behind this, it just doesn't translate as well as it should have. 

Favorite Song: Schema V1-88

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