Area

Release Overview

Area's Event '76 is an avant-garde live album that captures the essence of experimental music. Recorded on October 27, 1976, during a concert at the Aula Magna of the Università Statale di Milano, it was released posthumously in 1979 by Cramps Records. The album features a unique collaboration between Area's core members and prominent figures in the free jazz scene, including American soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy and British percussionist Paul Lytton.

Collaborative Dynamics

The lineup includes Demetrio Stratos, who provides extended vocal techniques and voice research. Patrizio Fariselli plays prepared piano, while Paolo Tofani contributes with electric guitar and Tcherepnin analog synthesizer. Lacy's soprano saxophone and Lytton's free percussion add layers of complexity. This collaboration occurred during a hiatus of Area's regular rhythm section, Ares Tavolazzi and Giulio Capiozzo.

Musical Exploration

Event '76 emphasizes non-idiomatic free improvisation. The album explores concepts such as Cage-ian indeterminacy, graphic scoring, and microtonal saxophone multiphonics. The textures created by the prepared piano and analog synthesizer enhance the overall atmosphere. Stratos's vocal explorations push the boundaries of traditional singing. The album consists of three primary pieces, with the first side featuring a 20-minute suite titled "Caos II Parte (1)" and "Caos II Parte (2)", leading into the concluding track "Event '76".

Recording Context

This album is significant for its experimental approach. It documents a radical departure from conventional jazz and rock forms. The musicians involved sought to create a sound that transcended traditional genres. Their improvisational techniques reflect a commitment to pushing auditory boundaries. The result is a challenging yet engaging listening experience.

Final Notes

Event '76 was released on Cramps Records under the catalog number CRSLP 5107 / 5205 107.