The vibrant state of today’s avant-garde scene was proven at this year’s Densités International Festival in Fresnes-en-Woevre, France, that ran from 23-25 October. Its programme featured a strong hand for the Brits among a wide range of experimental music, dance, poetry and sound art. First up from our shores was former AMM pianist John Tilbury. His performance carried a distinctive romanticism that demonstrated an elegant harmonic minimalism and a seemingly innate understanding of space, while the incomparable Phil Minton’s duet with French vocalist Isabelle Duthoit caught attention for its conversational effect and theatricality. Other highlights included Sophie Agnel’s trio, in which various electronic drones and sound warps supplemented her manipulation of the piano’s internal organs and gothic chordal voicings. However, if anything justified the description “density” it was Norwegian noise-rock trio Jazamer, who delivered a relentlessly brutal and intense set.

Coming straight from the apex of experimental art was the Hairy Bones quartet, featuring the iconic Peter Brotzmann on saxophones, Toshinori Kondo on trumpet and electronics, Paal Nilssen-Love on drums and Massimo Pupillo on bass. With sensitivity in communication, each simultaneously shaped the music with charisma, belligerence and power. Nilssen-Love’s tumultuous rhythmic patterns thrived on strong rock grooves while retaining a freedom of expression equal to the likes of Sunny Murray. Additionally, Brotzmann demonstrated a capacity to carry melodic lines with a warmth evocative of Coleman Hawkins. In conversation with Jazzwise after his set Brotzmann explained that “You have to fight, that’s what life is about.” This was a characteristic true of all the music at Densités. Each musician had their own voice for the fight - so long may such festivals provide a platform for them to speak out.

Joseph Kassman-Tod