Commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, where it was recorded live, to mark the 50th anniversary of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), this Afro-futurist fable evokes a dystopian society on the brink of chaos in 2099. That’s the setting, what we’re interested in is the musical framework that gives it life. And what music! Take Mitchell’s flute, put it in large a pot with violin, cello, banjo, oud, shamisen, shakuachi, electric guitar and bass, theremin and percussion, add a pinch of electronic effects and some spoken-word poetry, and simmer while stirring. You’ll get a consistent and wonderfully kaleidoscopic stew. Be careful not to burn yourself!
