Lazro/Lovens/Nozati/Van Hove

Both an inspirational example of outstanding European free music and a discouraging reminder of human mortality is this resumé from 1999. Well balanced, and constantly full of surprises the two improvisations here put in boldest relief the complied sonic skills of alto/baritone saxophonist Daunik Lazro and vocalist Annick Nozati from France, Belgian piano/accordionist Fred Van Hove and German Paul Lovens playing drums, cymbals, gongs and musical saw. Since that turn of century highpoint though Nozati (1945-2000) and Van Hove (1937-2022) have died, while Lovens, 76 and Lazro, 79 are both reportedly ailing.

A quarter century ago however hard-driving piano patterning and subtle percussion clinks and clanks created the setting upon which the saxophonist could confidentially unleash his split tones and growls and the vocalist was given full rein for experimentation. A force unto herself  – though some may link Nozati’s tessitura to that of Joëlle Léandre, a frequent collaborator – amidst Van Hove’s darker key rolls and Lazro’s squeak and doits she constantly unleashes unique patterning vocalese. Swooping from pseudo-operatic lyricism and gentle sighs to yodels, nasal blaring, clenched teeth gurgles, Bedlam-like cries and grumbling near curses, she creates fractured story telling, projecting different persona at every turn. Alongside her, Van Hove’s careful pianism gives way to distinct keyboard vibrating accompaniment.

The consequences of enhanced intensity are demonstrated on the concluding “Consequences”  as Van Hove’s inner piano string strums and Lazro’s reed-biting slurs and stops become more powerful yet remain near-lyrical, a perfect match for Nozati’s deep-voiced disclaiming, Ending with mocking laughs that turn to scatting, her verbalization is underlined by cymbal clangs, altissimo reed screams and keyboard pummeling. The climax reached concentrates the quartet members’ individual expression to blanket all available aural space before suddenly ending.

Overall Resumé of a Century celebrates what once was commonplace in intense free music with only a slight nod to the nostalgic sadness the situation engenders.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Facing the Facts 2. Consequences

Personnel: Daunik Lazro (alto and baritone saxophones); Fred Van Hove (piano and accordion); Paul Lovens (drums, cymbals, gongs and musical saw) and Annick Nozati (voice)