The Chitinous Ensemble - Chitinous (1971) [2005]

The Chitinous Ensemble was a British experimental jazz-orchestral project formed by the renowned cellist and arranger Paul Buckmaster in the early 1970s. The collective is celebrated for its sole, highly ambitious conceptual album Chitinous, released in 1971 on Deram Records. The music is a complex blend of avant-garde jazz, free jazz improvisation, and dense classical string arrangements, capturing the psychedelic and exploratory spirit of the era.

The Album: Chitinous (1971)Recorded in London between March 31 and April 13, 1970, the album was directed by Paul Buckmaster. At the time, Buckmaster was also collaborating with the Third Ear Band and orchestrating iconic tracks for David Bowie, Elton John, and Miles Davis. Chitinous features expansive, multi-part suites that bridge structural classical forms with spontaneous jazz experimentation.

Tracks:

1. Chitinous A: Mandible – 01:11
2. Chitinous B: De Blonck – 02:41
3. Chitinous C: Mushroom Dance – 03:14
4. Chitinous D: Was-Eye? – 01:21
5. Aldebaranian Song – 04:33
6. Dance – 08:46
7. Rønkproat'tn A: 8 Fish-Eyes – 06:14
8. Rønkproat'tn B: Rockrott – 01:53
9. Rønkproat'tn C: Loopild – 05:18
10. Rønkproat'tn D: Stoned – 01:32

Personnel:

Paul Buckmaster — Cello, electric piano, composer, director.
Ian Carr (of Nucleus) — Trumpet, flugelhorn.
John Marshall & Barry Morgan — Drums, percussion.
Brian Smith — Soprano saxophone.
Pete Robinson — Electric piano.
Chris Karan — Tabla.
Gus Dudgeon — Production consultant (famous for his work with Elton John).
String Section — A massive lineup of violinists, violists, and cellists.