Break Stuff is what happens after formal elements have been addressed.
Vijay Iyer calls the break a span of time in which to act. Its the basis
for breakdowns, breakbeats, and break dancing... it can be the moment
when everything comes to life. A number of the pieces here are
breakdowns of other Iyer constructions. Some are from a suite premiered
at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, some derive from Open City, a
collaboration with novelist Teju Cole and large ensemble. The trio
energetically recasts everything it touches. Hood is a tribute to
Detroit techno pioneer Robert Hood. On Work, Vijay pays homage to his
number one hero, Thelonious Monk. Countdown reconsiders the classic
Coltrane tune inside a rhythmic framework inspired by West African
music. Mystery Woman is driven by compound pulses which owe a debt to
South Indian drumming. Fast moving and quick-witted, the group has
developed a strong musical identity of its own, with an emphasis on what
Iyer calls co-constructing, exploring all the dynamics of playing
together. Yet the three players also get abundant solo space and, in a
reflective moment at the albums center, Iyer plays a moving version of
Billy Strayhorns Blood Count alone. Break Stuff, recorded in June 2014
at New Yorks Avatar Studio and produced by Manfred Eicher, is the third
ECM release from Vijay Iyer. It follows the chamber music recording
Mutations and the film-and-music project RADHE RADHE: Rites of Holi.
Vijay Iyer will tour extensively throughout 2015 both with the Trio and
in other configurations.
