Digital Primitives - Hum, Crackle and Pop (Hopscotch, 2009)

A diddley-bow is one of the first instruments many great bluesmen grew up playing in the south. A simple one-string instrument that could be bowed or plucked, it helped them master the feel of the music before moving on to the guitar. Cooper-Moore shows that the possibilities of this humble instrument lay in the hands of the player, and for him, the possibilities are limitless. He joins Assif Tsahar on tenor saxophone and Chad Taylor on drums to make up one of the most unique improvising ensembles on the modern scene. Cooper-Moore’s diddley-bow can take the role of a bass or guitar, but also go its own way with a unique sound buzzing and weaving around or against the music at will. Tshaar’s saxophone also ranges far afield, from subtle and supple and seductive to harsh brillo pad, as he moves and weaves through the two instruments. Talyor is the perfect drummer for this group as he can shift from a rockish backbeat to expansive free jazz groove at the drop of a hat.

Highlights of this fascinating album include “Herenowhere” where the trio takes things way out and freely improvise under the banner of Tsahar’s caustic and biting saxophone. “Crackle Pop” and “Walkabout” mine aspects of groove and multi-cultural experimentation in a very effective manner. What makes this band so interesting is the wide variety of sounds they are able to get from their seemingly limited palette. This group achieves what jazz musicians are always looking for: an original sound that is unique and expressive.Hum Crackle and Pop - http://www.amazon.com/

http://jazzandblues.blogspot.com/2009/12/digital-primitives-hum-crackle-and-pop.html