The Other Shore

Alex Cline

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 9, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cryptogramophone
• ASIN: B00004SVHK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #370,290 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The words "free improvisation" can easily conjure images of unbridled cacophony and raucous noisefests. At its best, though, free improvisation achieves what all improvisation ought to strive for--instant composition. On Other Shore, the trio of drummer Alex Cline, guitarist G.E. Stinson, and violinist Jeff Gauthier admirably achieve this end for much of the CD's 73 minutes. Tunes like "Asunder" and "Thus I Have Heard" evolve out of silence into ethereal textures in which Cline's percussion, Stinson's guitar, and Gauthier's violin all share percussive, melodic, and ambient duties. Inspired by the Diamond Sutra, Other Shore is symphonic in its dynamic range and exploration of recurring themes. The three players create the sound of a virtual orchestra, whose precision and focus leave the listener amazed that this music is not composed but created instantaneously. Gauthier's gorgeous tone on top tempers Cline's clattering base of percussion, while Stinson fills the middle with sounds that evoke string sections, chimes, almost everything but guitar--together providing a stunning example of egos employed in harmony for the common good. Stretching the music from serene to Sturm und Drang, these gentlemen are not purveying an easy listening experience, but rather an intense and rewarding one. --Michael Ross

Product Description
Three distinctive musical voices come together to create a collective music that defies categorization. The New Times said of this improvisational ensemble, "Their pieces exist on a symphonic scale. The range of musical expression is staggering as violinist Gauthier and guitarist Stinson create Technicolor sunsets of electric string cadenzas while drummer Cline performs everything from metal machine cadences to ornate percussion figures to pastel cymbal shadings." Kirk Silsbee, New Times

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Record!, August 25, 2001

By	Stephen (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Some times it sounds like progressive rock, sometimes "modern" classical, sometimes just plain beautiful. This trio is amazing. What they do with percussion, Guitar and violin is astounding. Such a range of possibilties are opened up yet the cd has a logical flow and consistancy.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing., August 29, 2002

By A Customer

This is one of the best CDs I own. I own many CDs. I do not own an overwhelming amount of free improvisation CDs. However, this is one of my best of any kind of music. The music that is created here is amazing. Not only is the playing from everyone wonderful and informed, but the overall sonic texture (drums, guitar "implements", and violin) is exotic and beautiful. If you do not like this CD, you need to re-think what music means to you. If you do like this CD, you have probably done so already. Give it one complete listen.