Jasun Martz

The Pillory - (Ad Perpetuam Memoriam APM 9404) 1994

Martz was influenced by Christian Vander's music and in 1977 he worked with Zappa. Ruth Underwood and Eddie Jobson feature on this CD. The Magma influence is clear in the early movements of this electronic/contemporary masterpiece. Martz calls it Neoteric Music. A sombre start like an eerie premonition of Vander's 'Swans & Crows' leads into the thrusting section that has the dynamic force of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. With more than a passing resemblance to early period Univers Zero, the core inspiration must be Bartok and Penderecki. Just when the 40-piece Neoteric Orchestra are peaking, the mood becomes meditative - almost King Crimson-esque. He manages to combine a wealth of musical styles and develop a consistent vision beyond classification (Martz calls this lusion). There follows a long percussive passage and an ominous choral bit recalling Varese's penchant for air-raid sirens. Vander has used a similar blend of wailing voices and screaming synths to depict agony and destruction. 'The Pillory' closes with an electronic chamber orchestra - mellotron, organ and massed choir. The bonus track is a four-part improvisation for Piano, Electric Violin and Clarinet; 'in light in dark in between'. 'The Pillory' is one of the major orchestral works of the late 20th century. And particularly as an interesting Zeuhl variation, the first fifteen minutes are truly indispensable.

Added: Jason Martz Interview