Whit Dickey Tao Quartets - Peace Planet & Box Of Light

2019 release

Having left an indelible mark on numerous classic albums by David S. Ware and Matthew Shipp, drummer Whit Dickey has produced a substantial body of his own work in the ensuing years. These sessions have often brought out the best from all involved, and that is certainly the case here. Between these musicians is a luminous web of deeply affecting work - now spanning decades - and these are the brand new recordings.

Dickey chose Tao Quartets as the name for these distinct yet interrelated groups as the Tao wholly incorporates an understanding of Yin Yang, and that same understanding is here to be heard. Representing the Yin is Peace Planet, a fluid, supple and dynamic flow of instantly composed wonder; each of the pieces presents as a mini-suite, with astonishing cohesiveness. Gentle lyricism and rhythmic/melodic invention abound. Also of note is "Suite for DSW"- a paean to Dickey/Shipp/Parker's former bandleader, David S. Ware, whose profound & enduring inspiration is powerfully felt by all.

Box of Light brings the Yang herein, with fiery energy and crackling interplay to the fore. The inspiration of Dickey's early studies with Milford Graves are clear here, as is the precedent set by such as the New York Art Quartet (feat. Graves/Tchicai/Rudd). It is likewise clear that the idea of total sensitivity, to each and from each musician toward the evolution of the music, is also to the fore.

It is AUM's great pleasure to present these very first works of Dickey's recent & powerful creative re-birth.