Cmu Aka Contemporary Music Unit
Open Spaces
Cambridge-based experimental group Contemporary Music Unit was formed in the late 1960s by the guitarist, author and visual artist Ed Lee with former student Terry Mortimer on guitar and keyboards. Lee recruited bassist Adrian Kendon who brought drummer Roger Odell, the latter a powerful foil to Lees experimental visions. When Kendon left, Lee assumed bass duties and Odells wife Larraine became a primary vocalist (after the departure of early member Sally Knox), along with teaching colleague James Gordon. Following eventful live performances at Leeds University, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Londons esteemed Purcell Room, debut album Open Spaces was conceived as a musical accompaniment to an art installation by Peter Hibbard (an assistant to sculptor Henry Moore). Drawing from various European folk elements, as well as blues, psychedelia, jazz, reggae and traditional African and Indian forms, Open Spaces is a unique slice of British art-rock from one of the most intriguing and short-lived acts of the movement. Contains an unusual reading of Pharoah Sanders "Japan," along with eight multifaceted originals, including forlorn opener "Henry," about a struggling artists fatal tribulations.