Peter Brötzmann, Wolke in Hosen (side A)

1976's Wolke in Hosen appears to be Brötzmann's first solo album — the cover merely states that it is solo, while the title appears on the center sticker of the vinyl.  Most tracks feature a lone reed instrument, but "Piece for Two Clarinets" and "Piece for Two Clarinets II" feature overdubs, as is evident from the titles.  While Brötzmann moves between reed instruments from track to track, the pauses between tracks are so short that the album sides give the feel of a continuous take.  Each track does have an internal logic — some evolve in a linear fashion, while others alternate back-and-forth between ideas.  While most of the concepts are abstract, there are occasionally folk-like melodies, which might be ironic in intent, and even a martial rhythm.  The album ends with a piano bit too, which seems purposely humorous, after so much serious and intense performance.  When clearly audible in a solo setting, Brötzmann's ability to coerce complex harmonic overtones from his saxophone is especially impressive, though sometimes it seems almost overwhelming when placed in such a stark context.  It's easy to forget the physical nature of tape recording in this era, but the empty spaces on this album leave print-through unavoidably audible.  The primitive construction of the cover design emphasizes these elements of Brötzmann's playing over the subtle beauty which is also obviously present.