SLAMCD591 Primitive Field – Alcheringa

The Rome based free jazz trio Primitive Field, began life as a duo of didgeridoo player Christian Muela and drummer Ivan Macer; bassist Roberto Bellatalla joined a couple of years ago to form the trio. Since then they have performed extensively in clubs in and out of Rome and in March 2017 they recorded this album in Groovefarm Studio, Rome.

The trio makes use of traditional instruments like drum kit and a double bass, along with other more unusual devices like a telescopic tuneable didgeridoo, at times modified by the use of electronic devices, and a percussion set made out of stones and metal tools tuned to form xylophones, or shakers made with dried leaves and shells.

The music is entirely improvised, based on the ability to listen and a fervent creative vein. It stems from jazz, but moves further, in search of an original, different language that explores sound and tone. To the trio every concert is an engaging journey into the unknown.

Christian Muela: didjeridoo & FX live set
Roberto Bellatalla: double bass, bells
Ivan Macera: drums, percussion

“This trio specialises in using traditional instruments in the context of free improvisation. As you might expect from the choice of didgeridoo as the focal instrument, this set involves the development of drones that are layered on top of a scuttling percussion…The track titles, with their references to dream time and walkabout reflect the origins of the didgeridoo but the music retains a very contemporary edge without attempting to recreate or appropriate the musical traditions of the instrument. As such, this is modern context for an ancient instrument that creates moody and atmospheric music.” – Chris Baber, Jazz Views

All compositions by Roberto Bellatalla, Ivan Macera and Christian Muela
Recorded 4th March 2017 at Groovefarm, Rome, Italy
Recorded and mixed by Davide Abruzzese
Mastering by Claudio Pisi, Pisi Studio, Rome, Italy

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