Jarboe (/ˈdʒɑːrboʊ/; also known as Jane Jarboe, and the Living Jarboe; born Jarboe La Salle Devereaux) is an American singer-songwriter and keyboardist who came to prominence as a member of the New York City-based band Swans in 1985. Having played the organ since childhood and had years of professional vocal training, she, with founder Michael Gira, were the two constant members of Swans until the group broke up in 1998. (Wikipedia)
I’ve seen 7 of these artists in concert and have worked with several of them. All daring. All unforgettable. In no particular order :
Can – Paperhouse Groundbreaking dialogue between musicians incorporating free form jazz vernacular.
Pan Sonic – 4’41” Masters of analog noise. In addition to experiencing them at Recombinant Media Labs in San Francisco in a room with speakers embedded in the floor, I had the pleasure of touring in Swans with Pan Sonic in 1997 and enjoying their show every night.
Merzbow – Minus Zero Watching from the side of the stage while Masami Akita moved back and forth among the various effects units in Tokyo, I was transfixed at the sheer grace and elegance. Meeting him and having my work with Vampillia mixed by him remains a highlight.
Flora Purim – Butterfly Dreams Butterfly Dreams is another essential on the vocalist list and the use of delays in jazz vocals in 1973 was progressive.
Marianne Faithfull – Why D’ya Do It? Marianne Faithfull who uses her emergence from a ravaged lifestyle / injury that completely changed her voice to one of caustic strength.
Captain Beefheart German TV 1972 / Trout Mask Replica A captivating live show I was fortunate to see was one by Captain Beefheart at a strip mall in a small former movie theatre. Not only is this music freely multi genre, Don van Vliet informed experimental vocalists with his ravaged style.
Yoko Ono – Fly The album FLY is firmly on the list of “must hear” recorded experimental vocals.