Ivor Cutler - Cute (H)ey? (CD)

All Music Guide

This is not an Ivor Cutler release, but a compilation chosen by the Scottish poet and humorist. To celebrate their 100th anniversary in 1999, EMI Records produced the EMI Songbook series, where various authors and artists were given free rein in the EMI tape vaults and allowed to create their own compilations. Cutler's set is one of the most intriguing collections, as it not only puts together types of music not usually found on the same CD, but also provides considerable insight into Cutler's influences. Most of the disc is divided neatly between compositions by 20th century classical composers and jazz musicians. Cutler is particularly fond of Arvo Part; four movements of his "7 Magnificat-Antiphonen" are included. On the jazz side, Cutler mostly chooses interpretations of spirituals like Nina Simone's "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and Mahalia Jackson's pure gospel "Didn't It Rain," although Lennie Tristano's cool "Turkish Mambo" and Miriam Makeba's proto-world music "...Kilimanjaro" provide added texture. Also on the world music tip, Cutler adds a few source recordings of traditional ethnic musics, including African drumming and Japanese koto. Finally, Cutler includes two of his own songs, "I Believe in Bugs" and "I'm Walkin' to a Farm," as well as Robert Wyatt's African-influenced cover of Cutler's "Go and Sit Upon the Grass," to show how Cutler's own music has absorbed these various influences. Cutler also provides original drawings and notes for each song. - Stewart Mason, All Music Guide Read more Less