Cross-Cultural Music

By Bob Riggle (Reviewer)

New X: Fresh X
New X Art Ensemble
(XART Audio / Art Works USA, 2003)

New X is an evolving free jazz collective that was formulated to expand and contract easily in its musical pursuits. The New X genre, while shunning stereotypes, has a genuine respect for the past. At the same time there is a definite focus on a cross-cultural mix of melody, rhythm, and continents.

When I was first asked if I was interested in doing this review, I was glad to; I've known Billy Curmano for over 30 years. But after starting on the project I realized it might be hard to separate the various artistic skills he has from what I was supposed to be reviewing.

A little background on Billy X. Curmano, longtime VVAW member, artist, poet, musician, and fantastic guerilla theater creator/performer. He is, if the need arises, flamboyant and outrageous at the same time. And he will wear some prop-up-your-eyelids costumes to make a point. On to the review.

"New X : Fresh X" screams eclectic. I know not one damn thing about this form of music, but it is good! With Steve Smith on dijeridu and tenor sax on "Minnesota Single Search" and at times on "New York Conversation" and "Street People," there seems to be a very strong Sun Ra influence and maybe a little John Coltrane. At the same time, "New York Conversation" and "Street People" bring to mind the Sixties talkin' blues.

"Say Son," my personal favorite, also strikes me as Curmano's most poetic work. "Wagin' War" is Curmano's typical take on the military structure and its politics.

My take on "New X : Fresh X"? Please check it out. When was the last time you could invite your friends over to check out the awesome mbira or dijeridu player on Billy X's latest CD?