Afrotronica: Rhys Chatham & Martin Wheeler

Now this is a strange record, but wonderfully so. Released on short lived Ninja Tune offshoot in a silver foil sleeve, I'm sure I picked this up in the now defunct Stereo 1 records in Paisley. Back then I worked in the newspaper business and was mainly based in Paisley. There were 4 independent record shops to choose from, including the newly established Rub A Dub. Where Rub A Dub stocked the rarest of techno, Stereo 1 was big on the original progressive house sound but had loads of unusual experimental and ambient rarities that GlasgowGlasgow now. stores couldn't compete with. It goes without saying that all these shops are gone now, although Rub A Dub is firmly established in

Anyway, back to the rip. A very unusual collaboration with Martin Wheeler (later of electro-housers Vector Lovers) and legendary New York No Wave guitarist Rhys Chatham. Chatham worked with the likes of La Monte Young in his early years, moving onto running legendary leftfield music space The Kitchen before being a key member of the post no wave scene that included Glen Branca and Sonic Youth. Saw him in the mid 90's at Glasgow's Kings Theatre with his 100 guitarist performance. Quite a surreal night with a concerto based around an orchestra of 100 guitarists (all picked locally) taking place in a venue normally associated with pantomimes and light entertainment. There were 99 male guitarists and 1 female and she got pride of place at the front. The music I remember was amazing - despite the size of the orchestra there were tranquil pieces as well as moments that recalled the aforementioned Sonic Youth. Bit proggy in places too - a touch of King Crimson. Would love to get hold of a recording from that night. Anyone?

Despite that big waffle, this rip is on a completely different tip. Rhys is also a trumpet player and on this collaboration he goes for that mid 70's Miles funky wah wah sound over electronic grooves. Way too leftfield to be considered trip-hop at the time and with strong world music rhythms, its closest comparison is the mighty 'My Life in A Bush Of Ghosts'. Somebody told me there was an album release later on, but this is all I’ve seen.

A1 Charm 5:21

A2 Hornithology 4:28

B1 Ramatek 5:52

B2 Neon 6:33