I.M.U. Intuitive Music Unit
Rich Moskowitz: drums, percussion
Peter Wilf: guitars
Steve Bergmann: basses
Elliott Levin: saxes, flute
Rich and Peter are beginning to re-assemble the band, and we have been digitizing dozens of tape recordings of I.M.U. gigs from the late 1980s and early
1990s, including some very exciting material not heard in a long time. A few sample tracks appear below- a live recording and two tracks from our 1992 self-titled cassette release. They may be reproduced for any non-commercial purpose.
If you have any comments or just want to encourage us, please
don't hesitate to write to us (Rich
Peter).
Nocturnal Leash Transmission
by Peter Wilf
Below is information about
the band (circa 1992):
"I.M.U. has been recognized as one of the most original
and energizing bands in the city...(they) draw on a vast range of styles,
from free jazz and hardcore to the blues and funk, to create their uninhibited
improvisations and wildly eclectic compositions...clearly one of the most
exciting and uncompromising bands playing creative music in the area...they
perform original works with challenging energy and inspiration. " -Russell
Woessner, Philadelphia City Paper
"I.M.U. is an avant jazz quartet of sax, guitar,
bass and drums; much like early Lounge Lizards, the group does some cool,
bent, almost disfigured playing with great guitar spaz attacks. " -Tom
Grove, Option Magazine
"This group of composers/improvisers has been gigging
around the Philly area for a decade, and specialize in hot funk'n'jazz,
which they do well...Excellent production gives the music a sparkling ambience.
" -Jack Jordan, Option Magazine
"These guys can hang in a tight composition or let loose
in improvised jams...things can get rambunctious, though eventually the
ends seem to meet. But look out: in between, these cats lay heavy grooves
and rock out with throbbing intensity. " -Deni Kasrel, Welcomat
I. M. U. Intuitive Music Unit
I.M.U. is an exciting and uncompromisingly original instrumental
music quartet. I.M.U.'s eclectic sounds reach the listener's mind and body,
from the funky grooves of "Killtime" to the group jazz improvisation of
"Ewe Dough Noh What-fo' Kiss", to the soaring rock energy of "Redemption
for Corrupt Pit Bulls". The four band members, all skilled composers and
improvisers, bring to the group an extraordinary range of musical backgrounds.
Since its 1981 conception in West Philadelphia, I.M.U. has gained recognition
and a dedicated audience for its explosive performances. In 1988, I.M.U.
reorganized into its present form with Elliott Levin, Steve Bergmann, and
founding members Rich Moskowitz and Peter Wilf. In 1990, the Philadelphia
Music Foundation nominated I.M.U. for its "Best New Jazz Group" award.
Notable performances include two in the jazz series of the prestigious
Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia, an appearance by invitation at
the 1990 Philadelphia City Paper Alternative Music Awards, and six shows
at the Knitting Factory, New York City's internationally known venue for
new music. Recordings include a cassette, praised by Option magazine for
its "sparkling ambience", and two tracks on Manifestation III, a CD compilation
produced in Houston, Texas. Distribution and airplay of these recordings
includes Philadelphia, New York , Houston, San Francisco, Toronto, Tokyo,
London, Ljubljana, and Moscow. Reed and wind instrumentalist Elliott Levin
has performed his music and poetry at home and abroad for twenty years.
His credits range from the great Cecil Taylor to Philadelphia's Harold
Melvin and the Blue Notes. Elliott is a founding member of many unique
ensembles in New York and Philadelphia. Drummer Rich Moskowitz has extensive
experience playing styles from jazz standards to world funk to hardcore.
Rich's melodic approach combines with his ability to play with great rhythmic
and dynamic complexity. Without ever losing its foundational role, his
drumming plays an equal part in the search for what lies beyond the written
music. Guitarist Peter Wilf's unique sound and approach never fail to impress
listeners. Drawing from the legacies of 20th-century guitar masters, Peter
continuously explores and expands the potential of the instrument. His
pioneering slide playing, developed from years of experience playing traditional
blues styles, takes the music to new heights. Peter is also an accomplished
teacher of guitar. Bassist Steve Bergmann also works at the leading edge
of his instrument. Utilizing five-string fretless and six-string fretted
basses, Steve excels at finding striking sounds, textures and grooves which
provide strong foundations for each composition. Steve has worked for several
years in funk and jazz bands as well as in the studio; he is a student
of Philadelphia bass giant Gerald Veasley.