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Album Details

• Artist: Tyondai Braxton
• Album: History That Has No Effect
• Label: JMZ
• Year of Release: 2002
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2005-06-06

Free-form noise guitar genius Braxton explores several of the many possibilities he has opened for the instrument on this record, from pure noise to repetitious coloring, to background for voice. His mix of guitar and vocal on "hold on to distance" is stunning. In fact there are many jaw-dropping moments. "raise yr arms & cross them" and "the violent light through falling shards" are extended workouts filled with so many beautiful colors and progressions, they are virtually textbook exercises for guitar. Many improv artists walk a hairy line between inspiration and self-indulgence; that is one of the risks that give improv its power. Braxton's power lies in his economy, working notes for all they are worth, rather than force a ton of notes on the listener. Here, there is style, power and emotion, none of which is wasted. While Braxton is a relative newcomer, he has already made his mark. His history is one that will have an effect.

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