Originally recorded and released as a CD-R in February 2006, experimental drummer
Chris Corsano's solo debut would never be pegged a percussion album unless one were previously tipped to
Corsano's specialty. Indeed,
Corsano plays a range of instruments here, including traditional drum kit, but hones in on drones, chaotic melodies, and complex, acoustic textures. On "How Should You Throw It on Other Occasions?," a dirtily recorded kit is supplemented by warm bells as well as, one assumes, the "baritone and saxophone mouthpieces with plastic tube and/or funnel and/or shower attachment apparatus." On other tracks -- their names all play from the disc's title --
Corsano absorbs himself in the beauty of bowed cymbals, including "How Will You Learn More Successfully from Your Coach Than by Just Looking and Listening?" and "When Should You Throw the Ball at Top Speed?" (during which he runs the cymbal through distortion). The giddiness of
Corsano's homemade inventions (and even the album's nearly instant release) is contagious, and
Corsano's vast palette never more vivid, adventurous, and accessible. A perfect primer to a great modern player.