antoniodeste

@Acqualife: I had the luck (and the honor) of seeing the divine Miles live four times between '85 and '89, and I also saw (in Milan) the tour presenting this work (with Benjamin Rietveld, Kei Akagi, Kenny Garrett, Foley McCreary, Rick Margitza, and that machine Ricky Wellman on drums....). Davis live was truly extraordinary; he was able to stretch the improvisations of some pieces in ways that were unbelievably creative and stimulating. I remember a version (which remains famous among jazz lovers) of "Time after Time" by the insipid Cyndi Lauper, transformed from a chart-topping pop tune into a Real Book standard performed at Umbria Jazz '85 (but not only there) that went on for almost twenty minutes, with the audience (myself included) in awe. You can't speak of Davis lightly, I believe. His forty-year body of work is invaluable, and his enormous contribution to changes in the jazz world is incalculable. This album is just a tiny piece of a more than dignified and "forward" figure in music from the last century, without precedent (excluding Coltrane, Monk, Mingus, and so on). Miles really needs to be listened to deeply, from "Kind of Blue" at least to "Tutu," which perhaps then someone rightly praises enthusiastically. The legacy and heritage of Davis is truly immense, and this should be approached with seriousness and commitment, I believe. Hi Acqua, keep it up, you’re on the right track!

The epochal significance of Davis's genius is undeniable. "Amandla" may not be a masterpiece, but amidst all the crap that was released in the eighties, it stands out by at least a kilometer. The lineup is stellar and the sound is well ahead of other similar things from that time. Davis is somewhat diminished, but still great. Review ok, aqua. Bye.

@Blackdog: Yes, me. Just these days, caught it on rental. It doesn’t seem easy to grasp the intentions that Kelly seems to manifest throughout the long film (138 min.!). The plot, at first glance, is complex and ambitious given the premise (a likely apocalyptic event made in the USA marked by evangelical quotes); the choice of actors is, to say the least, debatable, at least on a personal level. It is (still) a strange work, "different" and at times curious in its setup and supposed goals. However, it is easy for anyone wanting to crucify the director to find elements of possible mystification and/or "cunning." It seems to me that despite a result that is somewhat commendable, Kelly has taken a step longer than his leg. The film lacks depth and a true ability to engage. More experience would have greatly benefited the overall picture given the chosen themes. Worth seeing, nonetheless. The subjectivity of those watching this type of "representation" is, of course, extremely variable with understandable results in judgment...... . Regards.

I have followed with alternating conviction what was happening in Italy during those years, and I had preferred—or perhaps it just happened that I followed—Vittorio De Scalzi more than Nico Di Palo. Recently, I reacquired NT - Atomic System, and all things considered, I don't find it something to dismiss. As for Mr. Di Palo, I confess that his nasal, falsetto voice often annoyed me, although as a guitarist there’s nothing to complain about (though personally, I prefer Bambi Fossati when it comes to Italian Hendrixians…). I have never had the pleasure of hearing this work, which has always intrigued me quite a bit, and about which I’ve read vaguely and contradictorily thanks to the volumes regarding Italian prog (and not) by Valentino Flesca and Paolo Barotto. Great review, well-documented. I believe I have formed a more precise idea of the project in question, thanks to Pi-Airot. I will try to get a hold of it. Thank you.

Well done, Carl..... !!

One of the great works of my life as a music lover. An extraordinary and pioneering work (as was the previous "Cloud Dance") of "true" world music, when this term still made no sense. The Oregon (as in Italy the Aktuala, at that time) constituted the starting point for the rediscovery and integration of the acoustic, timbral, and folkloric heritage of the so-called "minor" cultures for us Europeans, who, without the ECM of Manfred Eicher, might not have had even a persistent image of jazz mixed with folk music, sometimes contemporary and indigenous. This album, then, extraordinary, intense, and at times magical, represents the pinnacle of an expression of research in the integration of different cultures (later fully expressed in the Codona project, as mentioned in the review). Walcott was extraordinary, and his loss has never been filled. Towner himself has, on a couple of occasions, highlighted his invaluable presence and how the group, after his disappearance, struggled to redefine and recapture certain balances (even in the presence of Trilok Gurtu, who indeed later left). Excellent review of a work that I consider fundamental, extremely important even if demanding. An extraordinary record, even more than thirty years after its release. Bravo Jake Chambers. I have finally read a competent and comprehensive review.

I can't help but feel pleased that such evident talent is being recognized for what it is worth. I'm also re-listening to it these days, and to be honest, I've spotted a few flaws or naïveté (or, worse, repetition). Nevertheless, there remains the impression and feeling that it was a project thoughtfully conceived and meticulously refined as a work in progress. It’s just a matter of seeing, at this point, how long the collaboration with the talented Marc will last and, above all, how much the "luna" of Emerson will continue to grow… . Ciao Opel, thanks for your consistency.

Frankly, beyond the fact that the film may or may not have been liked, understood or misunderstood, I still don't quite understand why we have to (still) refer to the works, light-years away in spirit and direction, of David Lynch. Can anyone try to explain that to me?

In the face of all this, I am astonished.

.........well, the implicit sexual innuendo of the word "push" nonetheless, despite its prolonged repetition, suited the spirit of the group quite well, don't you think?!