Belgian pianist Fred Van Hove (1937-2022) was and is one of the architects of European free music, though his profile Stateside is unfortunately rather minimal. An early associate of the Germans Peter Brötzmann and Peter Kowald, Dutchman Han Bennink, and his countryman, saxophonist and painter Cel Overberghe, collective
performances in art galleries and pubs following the May ’68 riots is (or should be) the stuff of legend. Following the dissolution of the trio Brötzmann/Van Hove/Bennink, the pianist and sometime organist/accordionist founded Musica Libera Belgicae (MLB) and
Musica Libera Antverpiae (MLA), as well as performing solo and with a variety of duo partners. Most of Van Hove’s recordings have been released on smaller European labels like FMP/SÅJ, MPS, BVHaast, Nato, and Belgian imprints Vogel, Kamikaze and WIMprotwee. Other than Atavistic’s FMP/Vogel reissues, his appearances on US disc are scant: two for the Dallas-based Nuscope label and one for Relative Pitch, in addition to the previous digital and CD issues of the music – the potentiality – you’re holding in your hands. Van Hove rarely played with American improvisers, but on Burns Longer, his piano and accordion are heard in a whorl of a trio with bassists Damon Smith and Belgian Peter Jacquemyn on three massive free improvisations. “Chamber trio” might
be accurate in terms of format but not necessarily in feel, as this drummerless group is percussive and unfettered in its decisive, active play. One is reminded of the shattering duets that Béb Guerin and Earl Freeman wove around Clifford Thornton’s cornet on “Speak With Your Echo (And Call This Dialogue)” (Ketchaoua, BYG, 1969) although Kowald and Buschi Niebergall similarly girded Van Hove’s flights in the context of Herr Brötzmann’s larger groups. For the sake of differentiation, Smith is on the right and Jacquemyn is on the left, the latter’s chunkiness and vocal growls a powerful contrast to Smith’s fleet minefields. Van Hove brings a
churchy resonance to his instrument as well as splintering stabs and Jaki Byard-like runs. The oft-reviled accordion in tandem with a blistering bull fiddle duo is a heaving generator of madcap energy. The music itself is nearly relentless, steaming ahead when Van Hove’s accordion heaves and whines while Smith and Jacquemyn saw and kick up surrounding dust. If you’re looking for a fine entry point into Van Hove’s world or are a
rabid fan of his work, Burns Longer will not disappoint, especially taking into account the fine and rare company he’s in. We’re lucky to have this document and to have walked the same earth as giants like Van Hove.
Clifford Allen
credits
released September 9, 2013
Fred Van Hove - piano, accordion
Damon Smith & Peter Jaquemyn - double basses
Cover by Peter Jacquemyn
Design by Alan Anzalone
Recorded by Michel Huon
Easter Sunday, 2008 at Archiduc in Brussels
24 bit mastering by Ryan Edwards
supported by 47 fans who also own “BPA -2 Burns Longer (New Tape!)”
Simply amazing to hear a new album with Wadada and Ewart!! ...And Reed rounds out this trio beautifully.
Just gave it my first spin. Absolutely magical. jeffrey maurer
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