SEPTOBER ENERGY

Centipede is 50-piece big band, formed by avant-jazz musician (and one time King Crimson's collaborate) Keith Tippet. In early 70-s he formed this orchestra for performing of his conceptual work "Septober Energy", and after the series of live shows this work was recorded on double LP. Musicians participated are great names from progressive rock and jazz from that time (Elton Dean, Mark Charig, Ian McDonald, Alan Skidmore, Robert Wyatt, Julie Tippett, Zoot Money, etc) and music students as well. Album's producer is Robert Fripp, but don't be mistaken - this work has not too much in common with King Crimson music.

Four-piece work ( one piece on each LP side) is mostly orchestrated free form avant-jazz, jazz fusion and progressive rock combination. In fact, album never was popular at all, and even at time of release received quite negative critics. I think, one of main big mistakes is albums opener - long free form bulky free jazz composition, which destroys first impression. Brave listener, passed by it, will find much more accessible music, full of sax solos, jazz-rock vibrations and even some vocals. For sure, this album's compositions are not radio-friendly, but three last pieces are interesting and nice early experimental jazz-rock compositions, which could easily attract even not very prepared listener.

Possibly, a bit too long, compositions contain many interesting moments, combining early prog rock melted with r'n'b vocals, free jazz winds and airy, but intensive orchestrations. Album requires repite listening, and every time you will find new interesting nuances in their music.

Possibly, still too radical for mainstream fusion listener, this work for sure should attract jazz fusion researchers and free-jazz/avant-jazz lovers. Without a bit out of place album's opener, my rating will be 4. In present combination - 3,5.