It's a delicate matter to describe the muse that has set up shop inside of William Parker's body. Parker's unmistakable experimentalism with the stand-up bass is marveled at by progressives and summarily snubbed by those not privy to his unconventional ways. And while Parker is clearly a master of musical development and its subsequent deployment, the real mystery continues to be whether Parker has absolute control of his bass, balafone and bombard, or whether this triumvirate of baffling rhythmic instruments is the real master and controller of his musical soul.
Percussionist Drake joins Parker on Piercing the Veil to create an exceptional document of stout statements and worldly influences. Parker and Drake have teamed up before, working with the likes of Peter Brötzmann and Fred Anderson. However, this current coupling, backed by AUM Fidelity, breeds magnificent results that need not call upon the other progressive jazz masters who have already conquered their respective turf. Drake and Parker begin a wild adventure through unchartered territories, with fantastically entertaining results.
With a gentle nod towards free-flowing, improvisational jazz, and a generous inclusion of sophisticated ethnic beats, this duo delves into topical anecdotes that range from conventional-sounding, quasi-Mingus interchanges ("Black Cherry") to outrageous and decadent ventures that blur notes with multifaceted rhythms ("Nur al Anwar"). Drake and Parker formulate several bass and drum exchanges that bounce through 4/4 tempos with a resounding confidence. However, the more impressive tracks on Piercing the Veil sway into unfamiliar territory, combining jazzy flair with versatile Middle Eastern cadences, settling into trance-like 3/4 time grooves. Twisting, cogitative expressions incorporate a variety of instruments, including the Japanese shakahachi flute and the African slit drum, producing unfamiliar yet decisively tasty numbers. Musical moods range from smooth-flowing runs to abrupt and volatile aggregations of pointed chaos that split experimental and jazz genres right down the middle like a ripe, genetically altered fruit. And indeed, once you taste these exquisite creations, your entire concept of progressive jazz will be ruthlessly altered for good.
Behold what few can grasp, and even fewer can adequately put into words. While I can try my best to illustrate the spiritual brilliance that Parker and Drake emit, there is no substitute for the genuine listening experience -- one that will twist your grey matter into a Hannibal Lecter-like appetizer, leaving you to feast upon this highly provocative presentation like some sort of gluttonous musical cannibal.
