Primitive Art Group - Live Cuts 1981-1983 (2025)

Following the recent archival release of Primitive Art Group’s studio albums “1981-1986”, we are pleased to announce the release of this 65-minute album of live PAG performances recorded between 1981 and 1983. These recordings document the beginnings of the PAG in all its raw beauty and chronicle its development into a unique improvising unit. Made from original cassettes tapes, this fills a missing part in the story of free music and in the story of underground music from New Zealand. “Live Cuts 1981-1983” contains three tracks featuring early member Pam Grey on cello and vocals, a snapshot of a remarkable and largely unrecorded musician. Wellington legend Gerard Crewdson joins for one improvisation on wordless vocals. The band work out on covers of Albert Ayler’s “Ghosts” and “Bells,” a few group improvisations, some originals and a homage reworking of Cecil Taylor’s “Unit Structures”. “Live Cuts 1981-1983” presents the band live and spontaneous, anticipating their later recorded output. Another crucial piece of the Primitive Art Group and New Zealand free music story.

Tracklist
1. Ghosts (Albert Ayler) * 14:40 Rawa House, Wellington, NZ (October, 1981)
2) Unit Structures (Cecil Taylor) * 13:45 Rawa House, Wellington, NZ (March, 1982)
3. Improv (PAG) / Hymnal (D. Watson) * ‡ 6:13 Rawa House, Wellington, NZ (March, 1982)
4. Bells (Albert Ayler) * 12:23 Rawa House, Wellington, NZ (March, 1982)
5. Group Improv (PAG) / Area (A. Donaldson) ∆ 6:20 Limbs, Auckland, NZ (1983)
6. Artic Waltz (S.Porter) ∆ 12:55 Limbs, Auckland, NZ (1983)