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Markstown
Inky Dot, 2021
8/10
Listen to Markstown
Here we’re treated to 2 live performances by bassist Steve Tintweiss, where the ensemble of James DuBoise, Mark Whitecage, Trevor Koehler, Judy Stuart, Amy Sheffler and Laurence Cook accompany him on the very creative, improvisational environment.
Of the first set, which is from the St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery, songs like “Ramona, I Love You” are tinted with melancholy amid the memorable melodies, while the glowing trumpet from DuBoise makes an indelible mark on “N.E.S.W up/down”. The bowed bass of “Contrapuntal”, the best track, certainly stands out on this quick 20 minute set that displays incredible spontaneity as the songs flow in one continuous medley.
The second set, recorded at The Town Hall New York City, allows the band to spread their wings a bit more. With several of the songs surpassing 8 minutes, we’re treated to a trumpet solo in “Just Be Mine”, and the 10+ minutes of “Monogamy Is Out” displays strong vocal prowess from Tintweiss and Sheffler. This portion also explores some of their cosmic tendencies, where “Space Rocks” brings plenty of lively drumming, frisky bass work and well timed brass into the unpredictable yet calculated fury.
Though The Purple Why would remain together for several years after this recording, you aren’t going to find any other releases out there. Amazingly, these recordings took place all the way back in 1968, and it clearly shows that Tintweiss was ahead of his time. Still active to this day, the bassist is considered a pioneer in the area of avant-garde sounds, and this early documentation certainly supports the sentiment.
Travels well with: Judy Stuart- The Apostolic Session; The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun