Vade Mecum cover

Vade Mecum

Released

Trumpeter Bill Dixon took his instrument as far into the realm of pure sound as anyone ever has. Using electronics and reverb and his own formidable technique, he emitted hisses and squeals and low growls that ignored traditional melody but somehow wound up almost impossibly beautiful. This 1993 album and its sequel feature two bassists, William Parker and Barry Guy, and drummer Tony Oxley scraping, droning and rattling around and behind Dixon as he squiggles and hums, seemingly to himself. Completely unstructured, it displays a remarkable beauty and cohesion nonetheless.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
Moving Cities cover

Moving Cities

Makaya McCraven, Antoine Berjeaut
Glitter Wolf cover

Glitter Wolf

Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom
Litanies of Satan cover

Litanies of Satan

Diamanda Galás
Simultan cover

Simultan

Roland Kayn
The Hearinga Suite cover

The Hearinga Suite

Muhal Richard Abrams
Thoughts cover

Thoughts

Bill Dixon
Hero Trio cover

Hero Trio

Rudresh Mahanthappa
Rembrandt Pussyhorse cover

Rembrandt Pussyhorse

Butthole Surfers