Cargo Records

Terry Edwards

The eclecticism in his own music mirrors his session work for which he is, perhaps, better known (Lydia Lunch, Tindersticks, Spiritualized, Madness, David Gray, Perfecto Allstarz, Jesus & Mary Chain and Julian Cope)

Terry was also a member of Gallon Drunk in the early 90s with frontman James Johnston (currently a Bad Seed). This new release is in a similar vein, with beautifully haunting melodies and improvisations replacing the vocal element over finely-honed electro/acoustic soundscapes. Edwards trademark squalls and squeals on baritone sax, alto multiphonics and circular-breathing pocket trumpet figures are all here, enhanced on The Alchemist by the flugelhorn, an instrument he played rarely before being headhunted for the revival of The Black Rider, the theatre piece by William Burroughs, Tom Waits and Robert Wilson (2004/5). Whilst editing soundbites for his website, Terry replayed an old Higsons track, Conspiracy, from 1981 and was delighted to hear former colleague Charlie Higson (of Fast Show and publishing fame) intone "Who's backing the Iraqis? - The Yanks are backing the Iraqis". This sparked the penultimate track, complete with Higsons loop and translations of the phrase recited by the likes of Jimi Tenor, Wajid Yaseen (2nd Gen/Dirthole/Uniform) and Bent Clausen (New Jungle Orchestra). The b.o.t.h., the epic final track on the album has backing contributions from post-punk legends Snuff, transformed beyond recognition, but brooding gloriously, nonetheless. Terry Edwards will be playing solo shows, both headlining and in support of Lydia Lunch throughout the autumn/winter to promote the album, with a special showcase at London's Spitz on November 12th. §artorial Records prides itself on it's packaging, designed by MarMarCo. This release is no exception, with an 8-page poster insert featuring 100 slides of Terry's brain taken from a recent C.A.T. scan at London's Functional Imaging Laboratory. Has to be seen to be believed.