Solo percussion records: some like them, most don’t. The preconception that solo drumming cannot tap into the listener’s soul as much as a piano or a saxophone is exclusive to Occidental culture. Thankfully, avant-garde music offers a healthy selection of solo performances on drums and percussion. The Norwegian improviser Paal Nilssen-Love added his first solo effort to the lot in 2001. The 11 pieces included on Sticks & Stones were recorded in a church (without an audience). The artist admits in the liner notes that the unexpected responsiveness of the room necessitated last-minute approaches. Good: Nilssen-Love had to shed some of the ideas he had elaborated and improvise in the literal sense. His playing tends to be more textural than powerful, which puts him closer to Paul Lovens or Burkhard Beins than Han Bennink. Still, he can impress the listener with speed and stamina (just check out “No Way In”). His use of woodblocks, bells, and other assorted small percussion instruments widen his sound palette. The fact that he keeps his numbers short is also appreciated. There are some very nice moments, like “Butterfly Wings,” where the skins of the drums are scratched to produce interesting sounds. And yet, Sticks & Stones doesn’t suck the listener in as Milford Graves’ albums do. The playing is strong and obviously honest, but it lacks the organic quality that could keep listeners coming back to it. – François Couture
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