Olivier Leté - Tuning

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 12 / 6 / 2017

Label: Discobol
Format: CD

intro

Minimal but ambitious new album from bassist and experimental musician Olivier Leté which falls somewhere between John Lee Hooker meets John Fahey

Fractured blues music notes stripped to the bone are played on a single instrument; as Olivier Leté's bass defines a full album, 'Tuning' shows a deep sense of ambition. It, however, stretches well beyond modern composing. Olivier Leté (Leté meaning Summer) masters the suspense of a one man band magnificently. Deep, dark and sonic noises follow on a streak of excentric bass guitar licks prior to coming to a grinding halt. 'Ten Dollar's Hand' for example, works like a perfect lo-fi Ennio Morricone pastiche or parody. Leté's exercise teases not just with Morricone, but with Glenn Branca as well. By plugging in the bass, he has composed several marvels. 'Tuning' actually goes further beyond this, exploring the mesmerizing. Stern, stormy and astute, 'Tuning' in many ways works like a sonic homecoming. The rich variety coming from a single instrument ultimately embraces full and sober orchestration. In plucking the bass at will, Olivier Leté - lay tay - in the end is without doubt one of today's most original performing composers.

Track Listing:-