‘Blage 3’ began life as an extended installation and performance piece curated by Philips. A one-off improvisation spanning five hours without interruption, it was a piece preoccupied with exploring time, perception and place while the six musicians played in the centre of a large dance studio, while the audience came and went. This release spans two discs, but necessarily is an abridged representation of the performance.
The quality of the gatefold card sleeve and overall presentation is exceptional; it looks and feels like an art package, although it would perhaps benefit from a booklet or some liner notes to provide a sense of context (I cribbed my info from the very informative press sheet).
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Musically, the experience is immersive, and the recording quality is faultless, allowing the full range of tones and textures to breathe and resonate. Transitioning effortlessly and at times, unexpectedly, from tranquil to tense, there’s atmosphere, mood and drama spread with great consideration across the course of the two hour running time.
Simon James Phillips Online
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