The CD contains several compositions (unissued or in new versions) of recordings coming from Braxton's private archive. The compilation is curated by Francesco Martinelli, long time Braxton's friend and jazz writer.
The booklet includes a long article by Martinelli about the point of interest of this collection, here are presented in short the main points of the article:
"The tracks for the CD were chosen from among the dozen tapes I had brought back; the first selection criteria put musical value first, then how well the music represented that period of history, whereas audio fidelity was put last. In some cases the choices were tapes recorded in an amateur way by Braxton or friends of his, then treated without respecting any of the rules of good conservation. This of course left its mark on the sound quality of the CD, though on the whole it is more than acceptable. Graham Lock writes in his cover notes for Dortmund (Quartet) 1976: "Today having access to the recordings of the last two concerts of the quartet Braxton / Lewis / Holland / Altschul is an incredible stroke of luck. In fact no one has yet found the recordings of the various quartets and quintets that Braxton tried between 1975 and 1978". It is precisely this period -- so scarcely documented, though many records were produced -- on which these cuts shed new light.
These recordings in fact were made between 1972 and 1976 and include, besides three quartets that are very different from one another, a historical duo and two examples of solo concerts. We present them in chronological order but on the CD for the sake of continuity they have been rearranged in symmetrical order according to formation.
1. In 1972, the year Braxton returned, after the end of Circle, an important concert was held in the New York Town Hall. He presented himself as the composer and self-appointed band leader. Due to lack of space the version on the LP omitted the first piece, a duo between Braxton on clarinet and Holland on cello, entitled Composition -1. The piece is dedicated to Jerry Barr, the architect, and it is not included in the general catalogue of the compositions published by Braxton in appendix to the Composition Notes.
Kenny Wheeler flugehorn
Anthony Braxton sopranino, clarinet, piccolo
Dave Holland double-bass
Barry Altschul percussion
Groningen (Holland) May,16th or 17th 1974
2. Composition 8C
Anthony Braxton alto sax
France, 1971
3. Composition -1
Anthony Braxton clarinet
Dave Holland cello
New York, Town Hall, May 22nd, 1972
4. Composition -2
Kenny Wheeler flugehorn
Anthony Braxton sopranino, clarinet, piccolo
Antoine Duhamel piano
François Mechali double-bass
Salle Paul-fort, Nantes (France) December 7th, 1973
5. Composition 8G
Anthony Braxton alto sax
France, 1971
6. Four Winds
George Lewis trombone
Anthony Braxton sopranino, clarinet, piccolo
Dave Holland double bass
Barry Altschul percussion
Graz (Austria), October 1976
All compositions by Anthony Braxton / Synthesis Music
except Four Winds by Dave Holland / Lojac Music
Photos Enrico Romero
Design Lucio Diana
Compiled by Francesco Martinelli
supported by 4 fans who also own “NEWS FROM THE '70s (solo, duo & quartet)”
i was at 2 of these shows and they were a highlight of the year for me, so glad to see this music released -- the interplay is incredible and the interpretations are so fresh. the recording quality is excellent as well. e123
supported by 4 fans who also own “NEWS FROM THE '70s (solo, duo & quartet)”
Another part of this project's extensive dedication to the works of the truly great Julius Eastman, whose legend and status as one of America's major composers grows expidentially with the passing of each and every year. Gavin Hellyer
supported by 4 fans who also own “NEWS FROM THE '70s (solo, duo & quartet)”
Grateful that the spirit known as Sun Ra is being kept alive, sailing ever further into the cosmos. This album is filled with interstellar beauty. Larry Looney