(Cassette, 1993) No. 5262
GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:
“Bluer Than Blue” is a collaborative triumph that showcases the remarkable synergy between two avant-garde giants: Ernesto Diaz-Infante and Rotcod Zzaj. Released as the first in a series of approximately 16 albums they have performed together, this recording stands as a testament to their exceptional improvisational prowess and deep musical connection.
Ernesto Diaz-Infante is heralded as one of the most fascinating improvisers alive today, and his partnership with Rotcod Zzaj, which began through an online introduction in 1996, has yielded a body of work that speaks volumes about their shared creative vision. This album captures the essence of their musical dialogue, an unspoken language that transcends conventional structures and delves into the realms of pure, unadulterated expression.
From the opening notes, “Bluer Than Blue” envelops the listener in a soundscape that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The interplay between Diaz-Infante’s innovative guitar techniques and Zzaj’s eclectic keyboard stylings creates an atmosphere that is as unpredictable as it is captivating. Each track unfolds like a spontaneous conversation, where themes are introduced, explored, and then transformed in ways that defy expectations.
The album’s strength lies in its ability to convey emotion through abstraction. There are moments of stark beauty, interspersed with passages of dissonance and tension. This dynamic interplay keeps the listener engaged, constantly on the edge of discovery. Tracks exemplify this balance, weaving melodic fragments with discordant interludes that challenge and reward in equal measure.
For aficionados of experimental and improvisational music, “Bluer Than Blue” is an essential addition to their collection. It serves as a powerful introduction to the collaborative genius of Ernesto Diaz-Infante and Rotcod Zzaj, leaving listeners eager to explore the subsequent chapters in their ongoing musical journey.
Media: Cassette.
Visit Zzaj Productions
Bandcamp URL: https://rotcodzzaj.bandcamp.com/album/bluer-than-blue
