Friedman & Liebezeit Secret Rhythms 3
Cologne psychedelia spans four decades, and it shows no sign of aging. Case in point: […]
Cologne psychedelia spans four decades, and it shows no sign of aging. Case in point: the third collaboration between electronic jazz experimenter Burnt Friedman and Can’s much-worshipped drummer Jaki Liebezeit, who belies his 70 years of age. Liebezeit anchors ethno-delic grooves with kick-drum and clockwork tom-tom rhythms while Friedman mutates acoustic guitar riffs, DSP tweaks, gongs, and brass riffs that all slash the canvas in cubist strokes, as heard best on “Gegenwart.” Not everything works, such as the jarring steel drums that spoil the otherwise fascinating acoustic-techno excursion “Entsafter.” But at their peak, the duo’s rhythms interlock in a deft precision that eerily recalls Can masterworks. One of this year’s best surprises.