So I gather, the Potlatch label is the French equivalent to someone like Incus, Matchless or Emanem in the UK, being a label dedicated to free-jazz, free-improvisation, or more so the free-form scrappy side of avant-garde jazz, the field of noisy scrapes, sonic bric-a-brac, and such-like. As such, not the usual area we tend to cover in Audion's pages. Audion l Ultima Thule l January 2002 This very strange CD-ROM-enhanced recording combines 20 tracks of what can only be called deliciously weird music coupled with surreal visual images. The Potlatch label is recognized for its quality freestyle recordings, most of which embody at least some jazz influences, however minimal. This one detours, in that the relationship to any genre of jazz is nearly nonexistent, though the improvisational adventurousness is extraordinary. The mostly short individual pieces were composed and arranged by Jean-Marc Foussat between 1985 and 2001, and feature wicked combinations of voices, guitar, synthesizers, and pianos, with occasional bass, percussion, accordion, and trumpet. There is a simplicity to it all, though as a whole it has the feel of a William Burroughs cutup. The liner notes are in French only, but this is a project that stands on its own, without elaboration. There are few signposts and little to prepare the listener for the unusual noises and slowly changing timbres, which at times are creatively grating. The metamorphosing color artwork sometimes invites viewer interaction and is an interesting touch that enhances the experience. While this is likely to have limited appeal, it is a project worth exploring for those seeking unique visual and aural challenges. Steven Loewy l allmusic.com l May 2001 Hello and greetings from sunny Canberra, We have been meaning to write for some time, but it had to be a special note, not just a standard thank you. This label has been an absolute blessing for our program. There was a time when Maroney-Tammen was played week after week. Then came Butcher/Charles/Doerner, Misère et Cordes. These are both the style that fits in well with our program. Then.... Jean-Marc Foussat !! Who is this man ? We listen to and play a lot of improvised and composed music on our program, but this was one of the highlights and surprises for 2001. We are not experts on electronic music, but the way the tapes and sounds were put together was a treat. Can you pass on compliments from Australian radio ? Last night, we did our "best-of" program and played more of this CD. If you have time, do check out the playlist: and follow the link to the playlist. [...] Thanks again Andrew Torda & Barbara Schwarz l Fretless in Canberra "This very strange CD-ROM-enhanced recording combines 20 tracks of what can only be called deliciously weird music coupled with surreal visual images. The Potlatch label is recognized for its quality freestyle recordings, most of which embody at least some jazz influences, however minimal. This one detours, in that the relationship to any genre of jazz is nearly nonexistent, though the improvisational adventurousness is extraordinary. The mostly short individual pieces were composed and arranged by Jean-Marc Foussat between 1985 and 2001, and feature wicked combinations of voices, guitar, synthesizers, and pianos, with occasional bass, percussion, accordion, and trumpet. There is a simplicity to it all, though as a whole it has the feel of a William Burroughs cutup. The liner notes are in French only, but this is a project that stands on its own, without elaboration. There are few signposts and little to prepare the listener for the unusual noises and slowly changing timbres, which at times are creatively grating. The metamorphosing color artwork sometimes invites viewer interaction and is an interesting touch that enhances the experience. While this is likely to have limited appeal, it is a project worth exploring for those seeking unique visual and aural challenges."-
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