Peter Zummo

Enduring classic from the vibrant experimental scene of downtown NYC and a perfect collaboration between tireless composer Peter Zummo and the cherished late cellist Arthur Russel. The a-side holds ‘Instrumentals’- a seven part series that’s more hard-lined contemporary classical minimalism, seeking to elicit unusual tonalities and overtones through experiments in phasing and intervallic relationships, which may come off as a little dry for the casual listener but is certainly of interest to people who actually have a basic understanding composition or music in general.. unlike myself. The extended bliss of the B-side ‘Song IV’ however is the perfect antidote, a flowwwing musical epiphany between like-minded musicians. There’s little to add that’s not already been said about this masterpiece, Zummo’s muted trombone finding perfect balance with Russell’s eastern-tuned cello and unmistakeable vocal together that endless pitter-patter of the tabla locked in this cyclical state that feels like it could exist forever. Also, much like the works of fellow NYC composer Vito Ricci, Coleman or that odd Ernst Oosterveld LP, Zummo With An X is another showing the interesting results that occur when music and experimental dance / theatre collide. OG copy.