Description
Crazy Backwards Alphabet – Crazy Backwards Alphabet – Compact Disc
Crazy Backwards Alphabet is a unique and experimental music project created by avant-garde guitarist Henry Kaiser in collaboration with several other notable musicians. Released in 1987, this self-titled album is a fascinating blend of progressive rock, avant-garde jazz, blues, and experimental music, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and unconventional structures.
Henry Kaiser is known for his work in the experimental and avant-garde music scenes, particularly for his ability to blend different genres and his pioneering use of extended guitar techniques. For the Crazy Backwards Alphabet project, Kaiser assembled a group of highly skilled and eclectic musicians:
John “Drumbo” French: Best known for his work with Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band, French brought his distinctive drumming style and avant-garde sensibility to the project.
Michael Maksymenko: A bassist known for his work in various experimental music projects, adding a solid yet adventurous foundation to the group.
Andy West: A founding member of the progressive rock band Dixie Dregs, West contributed his virtuosic bass playing and compositional skills.
Henry Kaiser: As the mastermind behind the project, Kaiser played guitar and contributed to the overall conceptual and improvisational direction of the music.
The music on Crazy Backwards Alphabet is challenging and eclectic, often defying easy categorization. The album features elements of avant-garde jazz with complex, improvisational structures and a willingness to explore unusual time signatures and atonal melodies. The album incorporates intricate arrangements and technical virtuosity, hallmarks of the progressive rock genre. While experimental in nature, some tracks also nod to more traditional genres like blues and rock, though often twisted in unconventional ways. The project delves into noise elements, with the use of unconventional sounds and textures to create a disorienting and unpredictable listening experience.
The album is characterized by its adventurous spirit, with each track exploring different musical ideas and pushing the boundaries of genre. The musicians often engage in complex improvisations, making the album feel spontaneous and free-form, yet with a cohesive underlying structure.
Key Tracks:
“The Blood and the Ink”: This track blends avant-garde rock with a bluesy feel, featuring intense, dissonant guitar work and complex rhythms. It’s a good example of how the project mixes traditional rock elements with more experimental approaches.
“Det Enda Raka”: A quirky, off-kilter track that showcases the band’s ability to play with genre conventions, turning a seemingly straightforward idea into something bizarre and unexpected.
“Welfare Elite”: One of the more accessible tracks, this song has a groove-oriented feel but still incorporates the odd time signatures and dissonance that define the album.
“Ghosts”: Featuring abstract lyrics and unpredictable shifts in tone and style, this track encapsulates the album’s blend of humor and experimentalism.
“We Are In Control”: A sprawling, multi-part composition that combines elements of progressive rock and free jazz. The track moves through various moods and textures, showcasing the group’s technical prowess and creativity.
Crazy Backwards Alphabet is a cult classic in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes. While it didn’t achieve mainstream success, it’s highly regarded by those who appreciate boundary-pushing music. The album is often cited as an example of how different genres can be blended in unexpected ways, resulting in something entirely new and unconventional.
The project also highlights the talents of the individual musicians involved, particularly Henry Kaiser, whose work has continued to influence the experimental music scene. The album remains a favorite among fans of avant-garde rock and jazz, as well as those who appreciate the more esoteric side of music.
Crazy Backwards Alphabet is a bold, inventive album that continues to intrigue and challenge listeners, serving as a testament to the creativity and adventurous spirit of the musicians involved.
Song List
1. Blood And The Ink, The
2. Det Enda Raka
3. Get To You
4. Welfare Elite, The
5. Ghosts
6. Lobster On The Rocks
7. Sarayushka – (with La Grange)
8. Dropped D
9. Book Of Joel, The
10. Bottoms Up
11. We Are In Control
12. Maran II
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