Contra Madre

Description

The late pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn leaves a final surprise, hinting at new directions that have been little explored in her collaboration with Nomad War Machine, the improvisational metal duo composed of drummer Julius Masri and guitarist James Reichard. Their death metal-influenced demonstration adds new fire to her flow, blended through a series of improvised pieces that showcase the trio's range and empathy. Julius Masri and James Reichard of Nomad War Machine: "An unexpected opportunity arose from a catch-up conversation where Susan revealed a recent fascination with death metal, admitting, 'I'm 70 years old — I'm thinking about death!' She had learned a few songs by Arch Enemy on her pedal steel, particularly captivated by the intensity and vigor of their singer. Expressing an appreciation for the catchy sound of Swedish death metal made sense for a melodic thinker whose veteran pedal steel roots joined the Texas western swing circuit in the 60s and 70s. For her, always an explorer, metal was an enticing new starting point toward uncharted musical territory. When she expressed her interest in playing with Nomad War Machine, it felt like there was a whole world of shared or complementary interests to explore." Although she was known for her mastery of jazz, country, and free improvisation, Alcorn had also studied Arabic, the oud, and maqam, all awakening a deep curiosity within her. Pre-70s country & western music had also been a lifelong presence for both members of Nomad War Machine. Masri, a Lebanese free-jazz and metal drummer, and devoted fan of Texas swing legends like Speedy West, Jimmy Bryant, Leon Rhodes, and Joe Maphis, was also steeped in Arabic musical traditions. James Reichard, before venturing into "freely improvised" metal, xenoharmonic music, and non-Western tuning systems, had grown up being subjected to countless collective sing-alongs on many pre-70s country records, fascinated by the pedal steel.