Dave Pike Set – Noisy Silence: Gentle Noise (MPS 180g Vinyl LP)

American vibraphonist Dave Pike gained fame from his work throughout the 60’s with popular jazz flutist Herbie Mann, recording 11 albums with Mann’s groups, also recorded with legendary pianists Bill Evans and Paul Bley. On moving to Europe, the Dave Pike Set became an instant success through the combination of Pike’s vibes play and German Volker Kriegel’s electric, acoustic, guitar and sitar play. Kriegel’s compositions helped create the quartet’s unique sound, encompassing jazz, funk, psychedelia, avant-garde, and ethno.

1969’s Noisy Silence: Gentle Noise is an ideal title for this record. Pike’s and Kriegel’s music is as light as it is loud, eloquent as it is silent, romance is hidden behind its power. The popish “I’m on My Way” is followed by the folksy blues “Regards From Freddy Horrowitz.” The beautiful ballad “Somewhat Somewhere Somehow” features Kriegel, and the bluesy title piece jumps into double time with stellar guitar, vibes and bass solos. On “Mother People” Kriegel reworks a Frank Zappa composition into an unrestrained showpiece. Kriegel grabs the sitar on “Mathar” as jazz-rock peers East, and the poignant balladic waltz “Vian-De” highlights the vibes. “Teaming Up” takes off at breakneck speed with a couple of open-ended detours on the way. “Walking Down the Highway” celebrates the band’s dilapidated red Citroen, as they maneuver through the 13/4 time signature with ease.

The first of six albums Pike recorded for MPS, Noisy Silence: Gentle Noise exquisitely chronicles the beginnings of a group that achieved popularity while maintaining their uniquely adventurous musical vision.

1. I’m On My Way
2. Regards From Freddie Horrowitz
3. Somewhat, Somewhere, Somehow
4. Noisy Silence – Gentle Noise
5. Mother People
6. Mathar
7. Vian-De
8. Teaming Up
9. Walkin’ Down The Highway In A Red Raw Egg