ECM Weekends • No.36: Codona “Codona 2”
Looks like most people find Codona 2 to be the ugly duckling of the trilogy, but I think it’s equally if not more interesting than their other records. It lacks propulsive energy of the first and catchiness of the third, but instead has this subdued, relaxed pace and exploratory, freeform structures. Which ultimately makes me want to go back to it more often. There is less melody to hold on to for sure, so it’s less instantly gratifying, but the pleasure is in the endless discovery as opposed to familiarity.
“Que Faser” opens proceedings in a laidback, but entrancing Afro-mood. The piece is 7 minutes long, but it’s delicious hypno-groove encased in irregular meter can easily go on for twice as much. “Godumaduma” is apparently based on some traditional African refrain, but is fragmented into a Reichian pattern. Not sure why it is two minutes though. Minimalism needs length… Perhaps an ironic remark. Regardless, I’d definitely be up for their full-blown sidelong take on the genre. Opportunity not partaken, but even two ungodly minutes was enough to distress many a jazz critic. Equally hated “Malinye” (Cherry’s composition) features extended melodica passage with cheesy waltz accompaniment in its first section. I don’t have anything against melodica and find spacious production helps to gel this collage-like improv into a very evocative mood-piece. Percussive final section of the track is absolutely brilliant. “Drip Dry” is a highly abstract take on Coleman’s composition, but bizarrely it’s the next track “Walking On Eggs” (not written by the great man) that sounds the most Coleman-esque. And I absolutely adore the mysterious humid tropical forest impressionism of “Again and again, again”. Sort of like a less abrasive version of Marion Brown’s “Afternoon Of A Georgia Faun”. As I said, I fail to understand the reason why many people dismiss this record. I can explore these gorgeous soundscapes forever.
