Crescent Discs
K. Ostra - Its Out there CD6 CD
During its lamentably ephemeral
existence between August 1997 & 1998, K.Ostra performed and recorded its seminal
and definitive output. Anarchic by design, chaotic by definition, as its name
implies, many moments of lyrical quality were captured. Keyboard-player Steve
Miller, in the knowledge he was dying, fuelled the bands fervour. The passion,
evident in his strident, sometimes-manic sweep at the keys is reflected in the
performance of each player. Millers entrée onto the music business began late in
the 1960’s with blues player Alexis Korner. During this time he began to write
and play with his guitarist brother Phil Miller. Their band ‘Delivery’ included
Roy Babbington (bass) and Carol Grimes (vocals). Steve toured Europe extensively
with the Canterbury scene band ‘Caravan’ with whom he recorded one album.
Between 1977 and 1998 his collaborations included Eddie Prevost, Tony Moore, Lol
Coxhill, Mark Hewins, Pip Pyle, Jack Monk,
Mark Saunders, Roger Turner, B J Cole and of course members of K.Ostra. Steve
Miller was a superb exponent of boogie piano, however his musical
experimentation into the realms of free jazz and improvisation over the last two
decades is where this album belongs. It is a rare performance of Steve playing
both synthesisers and acoustic piano. Now throw away the tag and listen. Nothing
here was planned or arranged, other than turning-up at the same place at the
same time. The results are a lesson in unadulterated spontaneity. The ability to
hear what is being said is as much the duty of the listener as it was the
musicians. Although complex and challenging, to the dedicated listener, also
rewarding. These tracks were recorded chronologically two months prior to
Miller’s untimely death.