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Dave Rempis / Tashi Dorji: Gnash
ByWe would be remiss if we ignored the genetics and cultural implications of the duo. Rempis, a foundation of the Chicago jazz improvised music scene, is a Greek American with an interest in non-Western music. He first gained recognition with the Vandermark Five and has gone on to lead multiple groups including The Rempis Percussion Quartet, Ballister, and various duos, such as the one we have here. Dorji was born in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, not a country known for its jazz scene. He absorbed Western music, mostly rock and heavy metal via the radio. With his move to Asheville, North Carolina, he shifted his playing to free improvisation. His sound can be described as a mash-up of Derek Bailey and Sonny Sharrock.
That Bailey/Sharrock sound is evident from the opener "Forms." Dorji produces a metallic ringing sound as if his guitar is a masticating machine. Rempis picks up for the first time on record, a soprano saxophone. The horn incidentally was given to him after the passing of his friend and mentor, saxophonist Mars Williams in 2023. The two instruments mash and liquify throughout with Rempis working his horn's upper register while Dorji is twisting wires and making rabid sounds. "Orphic Hymn" has Dorji sourcing the Delta blues with Rempis as a preacher and his saxophone sermon escalates into a version of speaking in tongues. The two musicians exorcise their (welcome) demons for 20+ minutes before winding down to an exhausting finish. The even lengthier "Ask For The Impossible" opens with Rempis' simple breath through his horn calling for Dorji to counter with heavy guitar feedback, and off they go. Each musician's push here and in the finale "Zilch," is countered by a pull, then another push. The music is roisterous and challenging for both the musicians and the listener. Amen.
Track Listing
Forms; Orphic Hymn; Ask For The Impossible; Zilch.
Personnel
Dave Rempis
saxophoneTashi Dorji
guitar, electricAlbum information
Title: Gnash | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Aerophonic Records
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Dave Rempis / Tashi Dorji
Album Review
Mark Corroto
Gnash
Aerophonic Records
Dave Rempis
Tashi Dorji
Tyler Damon
Derek Bailey
Sonny Sharrock
Mars Williams
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