"Reissues"
(Wichita)
"Rock Bottom" - nine / ten
"Ruth Is stranger Then Richard" - eight / ten
"Nothing Can Stop Us" - six / ten
"Drury Lane" - nine / ten
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ROBERT WYATT "Reissues" (Wichita)
"Rock Bottom" - nine / ten |
This autumn Domino Records unleash a veritable treasure trove of musical riches in the shape of Robert Wyatt's back catalogue. Split into two batches, these four albums represent the first part of what will eventually be nine reissued records.
Wyatt began his musical education as drummer in the criminally under-rated Soft Machine. During their relatively brief tenure they explored everything from '60s psychedelia to jazz fusion before their sticksman took the decision to go it alone. But on June 1st 1973 the incident that would change his life and career occurred. An inebriated Wyatt fell from a third floor window at a party. Left paralysed from the waist down, he was confined to a wheelchair. But the rhythm world's loss was to become our gain.
Rather than let his newfound situation consume him, Wyatt instead focused his energy on his next album. Released in 1974, Rock Bottom has since become universally recognised as the jewel in his crown. Listening to this re-issue does nothing to dispel that notion. Emotion courses through the veins of this record; understandable, given the events which preceded its conception.
Opener 'Sea Song' sets the tone; sinister chords flow under Wyatt's fragile, angelic voice as he sings hopeful, yet doom filled lyrics. Vocal experimentation, a key weapon in his arsenal, is evident on the wonderful 'A Last Straw', while the peace and solitude of the ocean bed is thrillingly conveyed on 'Alifib'. An enthralling, often intense listening experience, the years since the release of Rock Bottom haven't dulled its impact.
The following year's Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard saw the Bristol native move away from the introspection of his last work. While there are hints of it in the 'Muddy Mouse' segues, the record touches more upon African music and free jazz. The standout here is 'Team Spirit', where the ensemble playing so reminiscent of Wyatt's heroes Davis & Coltrane comes to the fore on a jazzy epic. Sadly quality control goes completely awry on 'Soup Song'- where Chas & Dave singing from the menu of a greasy spoon is the overriding image.
Nothing Can Stop Us, from 1981, gathers together all of Robert's political cover versions (he was a member of the British Communist Party). While there is plenty to recommend on here, much of it is inessential. The sparse beauty of his version of Chic's 'At Last I Am Free' highlights the dexterity of his voice, while he attempts to bring the same kind of power to 'Strange Fruit' that Billie Holiday once did, but for the most part this collection remains a curio.
Performed on September 8th 1974, Drury Lane went unreleased until 2005. Ostensibly gathered together to perform Rock Bottom, the motley crew of musicians here (Mike Oldfield, Julie Tippetts & Nick Mason) bring much of the material to life. Both Wyatt and Tippetts sing their hearts out on 'Memories' and 'Mind Of A Child', but it is the likes of 'Sea Song' and 'Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road' that amaze. One would imagine that material to be quite difficult to perform live, yet at times they come off like 'Red'-era King Crimson and Miles Davis circa 'Bitches Brew'- i.e. mind-blowing.
Casual listeners be advised - Robert Wyatt's body of work is not for the faint hearted. A lot of patience and perseverance is required, but those who stick it out will be richly rewarded. A uniquely English artist, but a genius by any nation's standards.
Alan Morrissey
www.myspace.com/robertwyatt
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