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David Watson, "Fingering An Idea"
The child is safely tucked up in bed and I'm sipping a glass of wine listening to the latest emissions from New Zealand native and Braille records founder David Watson who has previously recorded for Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace label and the John Zorn affiliated Avant imprint.
Here is a man at the absolute cutting edge of Highland bagpipes. His pioneering work with the traditional Scottish instrument will appeal to both fans of academic / avant garde experimentalism as well as sonic explorers of noise / drone who could also get a buzz from this. His approach to the instrument is completely unconventional, highly original and relentlessly inventive. It creates an almost meditative atmosphere that resonates around the skull and transports me into tartan space.
Track 4 has a consistent drone sound while layers of bagpipes weave a magical state of sonic bliss. Long, drawn out, magical bagpipe tones which are perfect for late night headphone immersion. It is real joy to these ears (perhaps it connects with my Scottish heritage) and highly recommended. It's a genuine thrill to listen to something so unique both in its ideas and delivery.
The second disc in this 2 CD set comprises of eight untitled pieces of music for acoustic and electric guitars. Because of the diffence in his choice of tools the sound is clearly different yet Watson's approach to the composition is, in many ways similar. Using an original cassette recording from 1987 as the foundation of these pieces he uses recordings from eight years later to create a wide spectrum of sonic feelings which range from a sinister, un-nerving feeling. slightly melancholy at times and almost euphoric at others. The beauty is in the simplicity of each individual parts excecution, however as various layers are overlaid the sound becomes more rich and complex. There are small intricate parts along with subtle effects and drones balanced very low in the mix whilst at the fore are gorgeous improvised acoustic guitar parts that hint at Derek Bailey, Richard Bishop, Jim O'Rourke or possibly even James Blackshaw on the occasional moment. Watson has created a genuinely interesting and emotionally captivating set of tracks, full of warmth, personality and unorthadox dynamics.
Although the second disc (Sinister) is a rewarding listen, it is the first (Dexter) that stands out and grabs the ears attention, simply beacuse it is difficult to access releases by anyone experimenting with bagpipes in this way. It makes for an ultra fresh approach to an almost forgotton instrument. It is marvelous stuff.
