Search - Glenn Kotche :: Mobile

Glenn Kotche's best work yet

Michael Bettine | Milwaukee, WI United States | 03/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you think of Glenn Kotche as just a drummer in a popular rock band (Wilco), then you are very mistaken. Kotche is one of the most interesting percussionists on the planet, and an intriguing composer/rearranger.



His reimagining of Steve Reich's 'Clapping Music' stretches and layers the original parts into a percussive tapestry - very inventive. 'Moblies Parts 1, 2, and 3' is a wonderful exercise in melody and rhythm, where the rhythm often becomes the melody. Sounds move in and out, with a nod towards minimalism. 'Projections of (what) Might...' melds African and jazz sensibilities into a drum 'n bass sort of heavy groove piece.



'Reductions Or Limitations' is another minimalist piece with cycles of rhythmic melodies. 'Individual Trains' is a sort of ambient industrial soundscape. Over a static background, Kotche layers various sounds, noise, and pieces of rhythms. The resulting music is hypnotic. 'Fantasy On A Shona Theme For Solo Vibraphone' is a transposition of African Mbira (thumb piano) music. This shows off Kotche's very melodic side. A lovely way to close the album.



But the master piece here is his over 11 minute reimagining of the Balanese "Monkey Chant," This chant for massed male voices is an epic telling of the Hindu Ramayana tale. Kotche has nailed it! His version brings up images of the various originals, pulling out the various rhythms and sounds, weaving them together in a cohesive tale. Different percussion sounds play the various characters of the story. Truly stunning in vision and scope. Even more-so by the fact that he plays this 'live' with no overdubs.



MOBILE is an adventurous recording that is even more rewarding upon repeated listening. Highly recommended. © Michael Bettine"