(Un)written is improvised music for strings only -- 16 of them to be precise: two electronically enhanced guitars (
Philippe Deschepper and Olivier Benoit) and a cello (Laurent Hoevenaers). This original lineup for a trio calls for some textural plays around the acoustic/electric and pure/treated dichotomies, something achieved without resorting to extreme face-offs. Hoevenaers eschews extended techniques and preparations. Honestly, his warm tone and lyrical preferences in improvisational context suffice largely. His instant melodies, nourished by a strong knowledge of the classical repertoire, trigger some very delicate volume-pedaled guitar lines (inspired by
Robert Fripp?) and loose chord structures from Benoit, while Deschepper brings a more noise-based contribution (
Keith Rowe makes a good comparison).
(Un)written presents 16 pieces recorded over two studio sessions. All except three stay at or below four minutes. Some are as short as half a minute; they serve as interludes between more substantial pieces. Shortness works in favor of this trio. That way the melodies don't have time to lose their charm, the musicians don't lock into firm structures. One would wish for a stronger level of communication between Deschepper and Benoit, but that's about the only thing to deplore about this CD.
(Un)written offers delicate, soft-spoken free improvisation as non-jazz as can be. Recommended.