Pat Mastelotto
Recidivate (7d Media)Pat Mastelotto’s résumé includes King Crimson, XTC, and Mr. Mister, but none appear on the 2-CD Recidivate. Instead, the Austin-based drummer/producer/remixer compiles recordings with colleagues and side projects for a travelogue through his “Traps” (drum-centric recordings) and “Buttons” (electronic-based groove-making). The collection leans toward the Crimson side, with a particular emphasis on the collective improvisation of Stick Men (with Chapman Stick wielders Tony Levin and Michael Bernier), and Tu/Ktu, featuring Crimson bandmate Trey Gunn. Mastelotto also draws heavily from Tuner, his progressive pop project with touch guitarist Markus Reuter, including “Face,” a new tune guesting local chanteuse Chrysta Bell. Also incorporated: remixes for Porcupine Tree leader Steven Wilson; a couple of blues rockers from MPTU, an aborted local band with Malford Milligan, Mark Andes, and Phil Brown; slinky electronica from Tunisia, a duo with theremin artist Pamela Kurstin; prog/pop with locals Mastica, Turkish singer Tovah, and Cock Robin’s Peter Kingsbery; and multiple variations on Mastelotto’s remix-n-samples project BPM&M. For King Crimson fanatics, there’s also Project X tune “Side Window” with Gunn and Adrian Belew. There’s a lot of music to absorb on Recidivate, and even Mastellotto doesn’t recommend trying to do it in one sitting. Thankfully, devoted to texture, melody, and an absence of drum solos, there’s not a note here that doesn’t reward interest.
This article appears in April 13 • 2012.
