Fred Frith: Cafe Oto

[Adam Blake]

Great to see and hear Fred Frith tonight, in company with John Edwards on double bass and Mark Saunders on drums. I'd not seen him since 1974 when he played the first free improv I ever heard. He's been practicing since then. Of course it's a genre that defies critical analysis - either you're engaged or you're not. For myself, I lost all track of time and space and I wasn't bored once. Chris, you would have loved it! Very inspiring and a marvellous antidote to brainrot in all it's manifestations.

[Chris P]

How splondeed indeed, would've loved to've been there!

Have you seen "Step Across the Border" the film based around Fred?, and which is a work of filmic and sonic art:

Here are some clips, it's an exceptional and varied creation:

http://youtu.be/kIlfNpqnBwk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es21B30bD6c (this one's a catchy little number)

I think the whole film's up on YouTube

[Adam Blake]

That second clip is utterly wonderful! Thank you!

[Chris P]

..and here's some rather lovely impromptu Frithian 'world music', followed by a wee dose of Bittova/Fajt

http://youtu.be/gPLRyTWiSws