spontaneous music ensemble – biosystem – 1977.mp4

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1. Biosystem (12:51)
2. Mystery (6:54)
3. Replanted (14:16)
4. Back To The Beginning For The First Time (6:54)
5. Another Begining (10:01)
6. Restored (11:23)
7. Saved By The Bell (2:16)
8. The Bell And Beyond (13:39)

Cello – Colin Wood
Guitar – Roger Smith
Percussion, Cornet – John Stevens
Violin – Nigel Coombe

Recorded at Riverside Studios London 28 June 1977.

This recording was a radical departure for SME; it saw the grouping completely move away from horns (Parker, Trevor Watts) to a quieter soundscape that, apart from Stevens occasional interjection on cornet, only featured strings. Apart from two live recordings on Low Profile (on Emanem), this release is the only recording of the foursome including Colin Wood on cello; SME would continue gigging intermittently for years as the threesome of Stevens, Coombes and Smith—occasionally augmented by guest musicians. (And in 1992, SME reintroduced sax, when John Butcher joined. But that is another chapter.)
Although the instrumentation was a radical departure, much of the methodology employed by the foursome retains clear links with previous incarnations of SME. As has been observed by Martin Davidson, this foursome may have contained one too many string instruments, as the sound has an occasional tendency to get cluttered and for there to be a lack of space. However, the key word in that sentence is "occasional. More often, the interactions between the four players produce focused, coherent, telepathic group playing. For a prime example, dip into "Replanted. For over fourteen minutes, it is a sustained exercise in discipline, the concentration of all four players being almost tangible; but the resulting music never sounds strained or forced, rather it flows around between the players with a logic that seems flawless and natural.
For this CD issue, much previously unreleased material has been added to the original LP material, greatly enhancing it. Most impressively, the last three tracks play as one continuous piece, adding some 25 minutes to the original two minutes of "Saved by the Bell. Again, it is the combination of the four players that is remarkable, rather than that of any individual; at times the sounds of the three string players virtually combine into one, with Stevens cymbal-laden playing distinguishable but totally integrated into the whole. Exemplary group improvisation.
By John Eyles

Biosystem finds the SME operating in an area that is seemingly a magnification of the possibilities implied in the massive Plus – Equals by the Spontaneous Music Orchestra (A Records 003). Generally operating in a low-volume area (i.e. the percussion is never over-bearing, and the three strings are un-amplified), the music rushes along in areas, takes some sinuous, twisting turns, and slows down regally, as if to catch its breath, operating in self-styled narrow confines yet always pulsating and pushing out at its structures; a music that expands and contracts simultaneously.
The two longest tracks (“Biosystem” and “Replanted”) are evidence of the processes going on. The playing is very intense, and in some cases (namely Smith and Coombes) borders on the relentless. Stevens’ drum work is superb throughout, working to fill things in in many areas, and achieving a “lead” voice in certain spots. Coombes’ beautifully lyric playing seems completely appropriate to the proceedings, while Smith’s guitar work is very percussive, co-existing with Stevens in an intertwining way. Wood strikes me as a balancing factor to the other three, employing intelligent alternations between arco and pizzicato styles.
The shorter tracks have more of a decided “chamber music” feel to them. “Mystery,” for example, is extremely dense, the quartet taking on orchestral proportions; a “bunched” feeling, but never claustrophobic. “Saved By The Bell,” on the other hand, shows strong rhythmic roots.
Biosystem, then, is at once very different and very similar to previous SME efforts: different in personnel, instruments, and thus timbre; similar in intent, dedication, exploration. Aside from a slight mixing imbalance (Coombes seems slightly to the rear), the record is exquisite, with a great deal of care apparent in its creation.
Charles K. Noyes