Alien Huddle

Alien Huddle consists of eleven probing, interactive pieces, each dedicated to a different type of bird. All of these are performed by the co-op trio of pianist Sylvie Courvoisier, multi-saxophonist Lotte Anker and electronics master Ikue Mori. The music isn't easy and, in playing together, the three women resist simple accommodation; this is not an album of pretty twittering noises. "Morning Dove" combines the piano's strings, delicate upper note phrases and percussive use of the crossbars with an almost flute-like use of Anker's soprano sax. Mori adds drippy, watery sounds. Anker's "dove" sounds are more probing than peaceful, which makes sense given the protean nature of the sonic backdrop. "Woodpecker Peeks" suggests industry, with Anker moving to alto; the piece is machinelike, willfully repetitive and occasionally disruptive. "Sparkling Sparrows" allows Mori to create a coruscating shimmer over sparse saxophone and piano. "Night Owl," with tenor, percussion and rumbling piano strings, is slow and abrasive.

Loose ends abound. "Robin's Quarrel" is a fascinating work. It sounds as if Mori's electronics and Courvoisier's piano combine to artificially replicate the actual song of the robin, with which the alto saxophone then argues. "Dancing Rooster Comp" gives Anker a chance to showcase her… read more »