Alessandro Bosetti, "Her Name"

The material that makes up Her Name was recorded across the world over 2006 and features vocal contributions from local musicians that treats the voice not as much as a means of communication, but as a unique instrument unto itself.

 

Crouton

It is meaningless to even try and categorize this work, as the style changes drastically from track to track. About the only consistent elements are the use of voice and the abstract electronics Bosetti provides.  The use of vocals varies greatly, from the title track's effected, up front spoken word style, mixed with guitar and piano, to "Her Face," which is much more akin to Middle Eastern vocal styles alongside noisy electronics in the background.

"Mask" is the most conventional of the tracks here with prominent vocals with standard jazz drums and piano; the electronics take more of a back seat here.  "Idiot," on the other hand, is by far one of the odder moments of the disc, the first half being a collage of processed voices and vocals over trumpet which then segues into an out of tune shortwave radio and jazz bass combo with female bossanova vocals added in.  "It's Me" returns to the improvised vocalisms over electric guitar.  The closer, "Fumatore Non Fumatore" is stripped down leaving just a backwards melody, piano, and some very gentle vocals.

The beautifully simple packaging belies the recording.  From the oversized card sleeve that is primarily tan and black, a very austere and serious recording would be expected, but instead it is a very warm, joyful recording. The performers and vocalists can often be heard laughing throughout, which isn't something usually expected in this genre.

samples:

• Her Name
• Idiot
• It's Me