Artscape/Exotic Hypnotic: F. Vattel Cherry

F. Vattel Cherry @ Artscape/Exotic Hypnotic, Langsdale Auditorium, July 22, 2007, Baltimore, MD

Solo acoustic bass improvisation at the hands of F. Vattel Cherry takes on a liquid quality as his sound, and the linear quality of his playing seeps into every crevice of time. Without need of formal introduction or beginnings, Cherry was well into his epic solo before most had settled into their seats for this set. And with his dark, full tone it was clear that he was pouring something real into this performance. Twenty minutes elapsed before he set aside his bow and continued seamlessly into a long pizzicato section. With gestures resonating with the quality of human cries and utterances he worked a dynamic range between pianissimo and mezzo forte. Toward the end of his performance he added some vocalizations of his own. There was barely any extended technique or silence in this set as his melodic phrasing displayed a stunning, prolonged continuity.