AMM

Founded in 1965, AMM would spend nearly six decades pursuing and perfecting their art of live, improvised performance. In its early beginnings, AMM was a collective of London jazz musicians looking to break into new frontiers, including guitarist Keith Rowe, tenor saxophonist Lou Gare, bassist Lawrence Sheaff, and drummer Eddie Prévost. They soon were given new ideas and direction by the addition of late composer Cornelius Cardew and Christopher Hobbs, who brought a decidedly different aesthetic and energy to bear, resulting in an altogether new form of music, coined “AMMMusic” by the group’s 1966 debut recording. Over the ensuing decades, clashing philosophies and sharpening focus led to shifts in AMM’s lineup that eventually would stabilize in 1980 with the result of a trio of Rowe, Prévost and John Tilbury on piano, a configuration of the group that would endure until 2004. During this period, AMM would produce some of its most significant works, both live and in-studio, such as 1982’s stunning Generative Themes (Matchless Recordings), 1987’s The Inexhaustible Document (Matchless Recordings) and The Nameless Uncarved Block (Matchless Recordings) in 1991.

It was this lineup of Prévost, Rowe and Tilbury that appeared at the University of Chicago’s Goodspeed Hall in April of 1996 to deliver a masterful, articulate AMM experience for a rapt and appreciative audience. The recording itself admittedly is not of professional standard, but it is listenable, and the rich dynamism and energy of the performance more than make up for that particular cavil.

Eddie Prévost, percussion; John Tilbury, piano; Keith Rowe, guitar. Released with the approval of all three members, mastered by Carl Saff. Limited pressing of 100 copies on “Coke bottle green” clear vinyl, Matchlessless Records MLL-01, total running time 51:40.