David Fiuczynski/Rufus Cappadocia: Kif

David “Fuze” Fiuczynski takes even more chances on Kif, (Fuzelicious), teaming with five-string cellist Rufus Cappadocia on a program that’s anything but standard mainstream material. Fiuczynski and Cappadocia are joined at various times by rotating members of a guest crew playing drums, assorted percussion instruments, clarinet, synthesizers, even singing. The results are uneven, sometimes compelling, occasionally disjointed and chaotic. “Gaida” with Matt Darriau’s blend of gaida, Kaval and clarinet contrasted against Tobias Ralph’s drums may be the disc’s most intriguing piece, while Fiuczynski’s 11-string guitar playing on “Purple Vishnu” and 12-string work on “Phrygianade” are his strongest individual contributions, followed closely by his 12-string solos on “Mektoub.” There are pieces with (seemingly) set rhythms and others where the arrangements vary from moment to moment. Fiuczynski and company are equally concerned with sound and rhythm and much less worried about tempo and pace. Yet, this music isn’t that difficult to follow if you get into it early and maintain your concentration. Once again, using rigid standards this can’t be called jazz, but it certainly has an improvisational sensibility and becomes more attractive with repeated listenings.

Originally Published July 1, 2003