Swedish saxophone virtuoso
Mats Gustafsson has appeared on numerous odd format collectors' items, but this 1997 enhanced CD, which comes in a hardbound 80-page booklet containing an extended (and excellent) dissertation on the saxophonist's work by Thomas Millroth, reproductions of scores by
Gustafsson, Per-Åke Holmlander, and Olle Bonniér, and paintings by Karin Almlöf, is surely the most beautiful. The 13 pieces, 11 of which are signed by
Gustafsson and two of which are compositions in their own right, reveal ample evidence of the saxophonist's prodigious technique on soprano, tenor, and baritone saxes, alto flute, flageolet, and
Gustafsson's own fluteophone (the body of the flute with a saxophone mouthpiece attached). Outstanding examples abound of his circular breathing and the repertoire of extended techniques that he has thoroughly mastered -- key clicks, splutters, vocalized howls and growls. Not only does
Impropositions stand as one of the landmark albums of solo saxophone improvisation, but the enhanced CD-ROM provides an opportunity to listen to the music while contemplating Almlöf's and Bonniér's canvases, and also includes full and informative biographical information on all involved in this outstanding project. ~ Dan Warburton