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Trey Gunn: One Thousand Years
[Discipline Records] (1996)
I came to this CD by Chapman Stick artist Trey Gunn from an admittedly
biased perspective, as Stick is my own main instrument. Trey Gunn
has appeared recently with Robert Fripp and David Sylvian on their
masterpiece released last year, The First Day[Virgin], where Mr.
Gunn is credited as co-writer of all the music; he is also one
of the new members of Fripp’s reformed King Crimson. Needless
to say, I approached Mr. Gunn’s new solo CD with high expectations,
which I’m pleased to say were more than met. Trey Gunn shows here
the limitless possibilities of the Stick in the hands of a free-thinking,
dedicated player. Not only does the Stick hold down the bass end
with punch and vigor, it snarls and screams in the upper registers,
soaring and roaring through Fripp/Belew-inspired lead lines and
solos. Leave all your stereotypes at the door: nothing is what
is seems, and the sky keeps getting bigger.
Supported on vocals by Serpentine, and with percussionist Bob
Muller providing rhythm, every other sound here was made by Trey
Gunn on Stick. From the sinister funk of “Take This Wish” to the
ambient clouds of “1000 Years,” to the darkness of “Real Life,”
Gunn generates rich tapestries of melody and groove. It’s important
exposure for our mutual instrument (people still ask me what the
hell the Stick is), but it’s also just a damn fine record. My
favorite track is “Killing for London,” which is powered by North
African-inspired beats (with Pat Mastelotto on drums). I first
heard this track while driving in the middle of the night on moonlit
country highways–spooky powerful stuff.
Trey Gunn is an original talent with a unique voice, who has
some very good things to say. Watch out for him in the future:
he’s got a real promising future lined up. Very highly recommended.
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