Home / Recordings / Our Cells Know

Our Cells Know

OUR CELLS KNOW – Robert Dick, solo contrabass flute

Tzadik Records 4015 (2016)

Improvisation has been central to my musical life since childhood.  Rather than write pieces for this CD, I just practiced on my low flutes and allowed myself to go where the music wanted. I’m unconcerned with expectations of what a flute should sound like and what a flutist should play.  To me, all instruments can be treated as human-powered synthesizers, embracing their traditions but not enslaved to them.

In this music, I have striven to be my most essential self.  I thought of myself very little while playing, letting the music speak as unselfconsciously as possible.

The contrabass flute offers expanded sonic dimensions in several ways, particularly in its percussive realms.  This is surely the first flute recording of any kind with a piece dedicated to Ginger Baker, my favorite rock drummer.

Top