LARRY KUCHARZ
"AUDIOCHROME"
INTERNATIONAL AUDIOCHROME
Genre: Electronica
Right off the bat, so to speak, I noticed that Classical composer-turned Dance/Techno/Electronica composer, Dr. Larry Kucharz, knows how to get a reviewer’s attention. As if the breadth between his two proclaimed genres isn’t wide enough to drive a Wal-Mart delivery truck through, his next schtick is certain to settle up with you.
That schtick happens to be that the 9 selections on his new CD titled, "Audiochrome," are respectively titled, "U301," "U302," "U303," "U304," "U305," "U306," "U307," "U308," and last, but not least, "U309." Sure, I could have simply listed the selections as "U301-U309" but hey, I’m going for effect here, so humor me.
Now, upon seeing this unique repertoire, I was immediately reminded of former boxing champion, George Foreman whom, if memory serves me correctly, named each of his 5 sons, "George," only distinguishing them by assigning them numbers 1-5, i.e., "George 1."
But, back to the good doctor. Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Kucharz studied piano and theory at the Chicago and American Conservatories of Music. Subsequently, obtaining his doctorate degree from Northwestern University, he began developing new cinematic, poetic and musical forms.
In 1975, he moved to New York, where he was an active minimalist composer, filmmaker and media artist.
In 1982, he began working with the Fairlight Music Computer. The computer gave him the possibility of extending his musical style with faster, shorter, longer chords and sounds...sounds which were formerly limited by the capabilities of musicians. So, what does the *MUSIC* sound like?
Crazy as this sounds, I like it! It’s different...very innovative, and of which I would add the genre label of "Experimental" to its list. However, I possibly have an ulterior motive, as upon hearing the first track, I was reminded of the tribal/ceremonial dances of my Choctaw Indian ancestors from the basic rhythmic pattern alone (they would be proud).
The first track, begins with what I term as a series of ballpeen hammer sounds, later joined by a various number of layers and patches, then vamps out.
Though, at times, certain areas tend to border on monotony with over-extended passages, all in all, this CD is a refreshing vocaless spiritual detour from the everyday norm of 4-bar changes we are so accustomed to being force-fed daily through video programs, radio stations, and in night clubs.
If you, otherwise, really want to relax, get away from it all, perhaps even venture to a spot of isolation, take along this one, for it is especially memorable.
Additionally, as a Jazz musician, I can appreciate Dr. Kucharz’ insistence on exercising the rite of musical freedom through his venturesome exploration.
Now, if I can only find that 1973 strobe light...
-Kenny Love
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