Various - Seven Hats For John Cage

Review by Mat Yates

Seven Hats For John Cage is an eclectic album that pays homage to the legendary American composer and music theorist, John Cage. The album features a diverse range of artists, including Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, and Zeena Parkins, who have all contributed their unique interpretations of Cage's compositions and ideas.

The album opens with "Not Wanting to Say Anything About Marcel," a piece composed by Cage in honor of his friend Marcel Duchamp. The track is a haunting blend of spoken word, electronic soundscapes, and ambient noise, which sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Throughout the album, the artists experiment with various instruments and techniques to create a sonic landscape that reflects Cage's philosophy of chance and indeterminacy. From the dissonant guitar riffs in "A Cage of Stars" to the percussive rhythms in "The Prepared Piano," each track is a testament to Cage's enduring influence on contemporary music.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "The 25-Year Retrospective Concert of the Music of John Cage," a live recording of a performance by the S.E.M. Ensemble. The piece is a sprawling and improvisational tribute to Cage, featuring a variety of instruments and sounds that blend together in a mesmerizing and unpredictable way.

Summary by Mat Yates

Seven Hats For John Cage is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential figures in modern music. The album is a testament to Cage's legacy and his enduring impact on contemporary music, and it is sure to delight fans of experimental and avant-garde music alike.