SHE THINKS SHE'S THE STATE DEPARTMENT by PBK & Howard Stelzer
Some musicians and their output is a great testimony to how you can combine different approaches and mindsets into one amalgam that works on its own in a way it could be composed and recorded now or 10, 20 years earlier and it will still keep fresh and not outdated.
Whether it is experimental or improvised, composed or in tune with something that bears a semblance of some musical harmony - the talent and the experience always help to leave something lasting.
A collaborative album released beautifully by inexhaustible Love Earth Music brings this quality from two humble giants of experimental music Phillip B. Klingler and Howard Stelzer. A duo which is helped by two other musicians - namely: Parker Weston (alto/tenor saxophone on 2, 3, 4) and RVD (trombone on 2).
It's a five track album that comprises lots of different techniques and strategies that reflect decades long experience in music of both Phillip and Howard - each in respective field.
Howard is know to use tape recorders as the primary source of his sound, Phillip uses analogue synths and other set ups. That is exactly right but it doesn't define or limit the spectrum of sounds they create. Its dense textures and feedback is empowered by some interesting background sounds which make this album bear some field recorded side.
What is the context of those abstract compositions? It is difficult to say but there is definitely something in the air of socio-political aspect that is not necessarily visible and audible - it is not a commentary but more of a journal entry from the lives of two US musicians that have gone through different stages of defining themselves as artists in different contexts. It is quite humbling when you think for how long they have kept their independence at reasonable level and reached this level of artistic accomplishment and mastery without some absurd levels of compromise.
This album has some dreamy, hauntological quality that is both endearing, tempting and takes you places. A beautiful soundtrack to whatever you wish to choose...
released August 29, 2025
Music by Phillip B. Klingler & Howard Stelzer, 2025,
with: Parker Weston (alto/tenor saxophone on 2, 3, 4)
and RVD (trombone on 2).
Photo by Mael. Artwork/design by Chris Gibson.
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