Plunge into the electrifying world of Decoy's "AC/DC," a captivating fusion of free jazz and drum and bass released in 2020. This dynamic album, featuring the UK trio of John Edwards on bass, Steve Noble on drums, and Alexander Hawkins on keys, is elevated by the masterful contributions of legendary pocket trumpet and saxophone player Joe McPhee. With just two sprawling tracks, "AC" and "DC," the album stretches out over nearly an hour and twenty minutes, offering an immersive experience that defies conventional boundaries.
"AC/DC" is a testament to the power of improvisation and collective creativity. The album opens with "AC," where Hawkins' insistent, pecking notes set the stage for a dense, interwoven soundscape. McPhee, Edwards, and Noble weave together streams of sound, creating a rich tapestry of melody and rhythm. The second track, "DC," continues this exploration, showcasing the band's innovative instrumentation and dynamic rhythmic section.
The album's bright, expressive musical patterns are built on independent and remarkable melody lines, making "AC/DC" a standout in the free jazz genre. The collaboration between Decoy and Joe McPhee results in a unique blend of styles, where the raw energy of drum and bass meets the spontaneous beauty of free improvisation. Released on the Otoroku label, "AC/DC" is a bold statement from Decoy, pushing the limits of what jazz can be in the 21st century.
