The Velocity of Hue

AMG Review of The Velocity of Hue

François Couture
All Music Guide

On first contact with The Velocity of Hue, two surprises. One: Elliott Sharp on an Emanem CD. This free improv label is known for its roaster of mostly European artists (the few Americans are associated with free jazz). So to see such a rambunctious American with a ock and lues background on the label is rather unusual. Two: the 14 tracks are all solo improvisations on (gasp!) acoustic guitar. But the shock is pretty easy to get over with once you hit the "play" button. Sharp has tailored three handfuls of short virtuoso pieces (only four of them cross over the five-minute mark) that draw from the lues, the folk fingerpicking tradition (Leo Kottke), East Asian playing (sounds like a lot of Chinese traditional pipa music in these fast cyclical motifs), and something indescribable that is pure Sharp. Emanem has released solo acoustic guitar albums before, by Derek Bailey, John Russell, and Roger Smith. This one is very different and could appeal to a considerably larger audience. Because through all the extended techniques (including some preparations) and improvisation, the music remains strongly anchored in the lues. It has that distinctive modal feel and the longing melodies that keep you coming back to it. Highlights include the fast-paced "The Skeptic," the short but touching "The Face of Another," and "Recognition," where Sharp plays his modified Godin Duel Multiac bottleneck-style. Definitely not what you'd expect from either Sharp or Emanem, The Velocity of Hue is like opening a present you thought you had guessed; after the short disappointment of not finding what you expected in the box comes the thrill of realizing it's much better.