Beauty and the Beast

Cassiber | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 25, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Recommended Records
• ASIN: B000001OT5
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #504,448 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Six Rays

2. Robert

3. Last Call

4. Ach, Heile Mich.

5. Haruspices

6. Under New Management

7. Vengeance Is Dancing

8. In Eine Minute

9. Und Ich Werde Nicht Mehr Sehen

10. Trendre la Lune Avec Les Dents

11. At Last I Am Free

12. Time Running Out

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LIVE-WIRE CREATIVITY IN IMPROVISATION, March 7, 2004

By 

Larry L. Looney (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beauty and the Beast (Audio CD)

When I first heard this album, back when it was first released in 1984, I was astounded to read (after listening to a bit of it) that the music was improvised - to be sure, the improvisation in this case is between four incredibly talented, innovative musicians who had worked together closely and often...but improvised, all the same. From the notes: `None of the material on this CD was written or rehearsed. The two pieces by other composers were known to us all and introduced into our improvisations spontaneously...All tracks were played live in the studio and recorded in real time. A very few overdubs were added afterwards, mainly bass and some vocals.'

When one reads `improvisation', it too often describes random playing, cacophonous and so `out there' as to make it unlistenable - such is not the case with Cassiber. All four of these players are known and highly respected in their own right. Chris Cutler's credentials are too numerous to elaborate in their entirety - he's best known, no doubt, for his work with Henry Cow and Art Bears, News from Babel, and countless other bands/duos and solo work; Goebbels and Harth have released many recordings to rave reviews; and Christoph Anders has secured his reputation as well. The combination of these four together was like a dream band for many progressive fans - and luckily for us, they have more than a couple of recordings.

The lyrics to these songs - for the most part, texts by Cutler - seem to be roughly inspired by the classic `Beauty and the beast' story, but the music on this disc extends itself far beyond any boundaries. Using `standard' instruments (keyboard, electric guitars, bass, drums, saxes, clarinet, trombone, pocket trumpet) in both conventional and unconventional ways, plus vocals and the addition of more esoteric sounds (prepared tapes, sheet metal, &c), the band spins a sound web that ensnares the listener, and carries him/her away with it - and the journey is one that will open the ears and mind to new possibilities in the world of music. It's over far too soon - but it bears up well over time, and it's something stimulating to return to again and again. As clichéd as it might sound, this recording will reveal something new with every listening.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars H***y Mutant Jazz, July 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Beauty and the Beast (Audio CD)

This is a classic album by the avant-garde super-group Cassiber. Improvising and collaging live in the studio, Chris Cutler, Heiner Goebbels, Cristophe Anders and Alfred Harth whip up a unique mix of free improv, electronic noise, spoken word and surprisingly catchy jazz-inflected song. That the extemporised, experimental techniques used result not in sterile noodling, but in a set of passionate, memorable songs, is a testament to the musicianship and rapport of this group. The overall mood is of an urban, nocturnal melancholy, like walking down a dark city street on a rainy night, past a series of jazz clubs. Highly recommended.

BTW Amazon seem to think the word h***y (rhymes with corny) is offensive. Wind instruments are commonly called horns in jazz circles, and this album contains such instruments.

4.0 out of 5 stars at times greatness, November 12, 2006

By 

Brian H "b23h" (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty and the Beast (Audio CD)

Chris Cutler is at times one of the world's best drummers. There are moments of beauty here. Buy this album.

That said let's address the issue of the statement on this album and the recording process. Yes, I've always wondered how this could be, so to say "improvised live in the studio." Amazon does not sell "Man or Monkey" of which several sections (most of the second album on the original release) were mixed to stereo and a master was cut live. Listen to those particular cuts (not my favorite) and you will wonder like I did and these reviewers about Beauty and the Beast being improvised live. Given I'm a fan of Henry Cow and many of it's "offshoots" I decided to give Rec Rec in London a call in the mid 80's and ask them about it. Yes, not written or rehearsed prior to going in to the studio, but created and played perhaps four or five times in the studio and then recorded live with few overdubs.

I saw them at MIMI in '87 after Alfred Harth had left. Being at the concert and talking to people it seems that while the songs were created in a very short time and the band will improvise live while recording there was little improvising live in concert.

Six Rays and Vengence in Dancing are fairly strong, but Trendre La Lune Avec Les Dents, and the transition to At Last I am Free is one of my favorite recorded pieces of music. The other songs are certainly weaker but this album should be a must have.