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Hugh Hopper & Kramer — Huge
(Blueprint BP248CD, 1997/2012, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 1999-11-01

Huge Cover art

Ex-Soft Machine bassist Hugh Hopper’s second album with ex-Bongwater Kramer is quite different than their last collaborative disc. Whereas A Remake You Made (1995) focussed on specific song based compositions using odd tinged arrangements, Huge is a more experimental work from the use of tapes and contrasting dreary themes. Probably the most endearing track is “Texas Trombone,” which chronicles a rare trombone duet. Hopper’s keen melodic ability is also put to good use on “Manchester 96,” which features two basses soloing together. Kramer’s role can be defined in terms of who is being the “key annoyance factor.” As a rhythm guitarist his playing is adequate but his group interaction is both intuitive and challenging. Drummer Damon Krukowski forms a formidable rhythmic team alongside Hopper’s lead bass. Overall the disc is uncomfortable and provocative, not unlike some of Holger Czukay’s forays into sampled art (Rome Remains Rome). The UK version of the disc features different artwork as well as the essential bonus track, “Only Being,” which is the longest piece on the disc and opens with a primal groan and lead guitar. Improvisation is the Huge key element, but under control, although slightly wandering. The unnatural vocal tracks include what sounds like Eastern European radio broadcasts or some other mysterious resource. Hopper’s narrative liner notes go further into describing the instrumental journey for the bass man’s point of view. Probably the best track on the disc is “Celine’s Final Breath,” with its repeat phrase and spirited upbeat soloing. Watch for the next installment of this “sweet and sour duet” within the upcoming Brainville release (including Daevid Allen and Pip Pyle).

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 18, 2012 releases, 1997 recordings

Related artist(s): Hugh Hopper, Mark Kramer

 

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