Fight For Light
Navona, 2022
8/10
The Dutch composer Jesse Passenier bridges jazz and classical sounds here, where the 3 well thought out compositions surround the push and pull of strength, goodness, and clarity.
“Piano Concerto No. 1 "Levensdrift”” starts the listen with 3 movements, where the ADDA Simfònica’s dramatic and meticulous attention to detail is met with Kari Ikonen’s stunning piano playing that pays close attention to mood.
“Vibraphone & Marimba Concerto No. 1 "Becoming the Colour", the middle track, then brings Vincent Houdijk ‘s vibraphone and marimba into the warm, dreamy climate that’s as pretty as it is stirring, and is still capable of bursts of tension.
The final track, “Duo for Vibraphone & Piano "Unravelling Confusion", pairs Vincent Houdijk’s vibraphone and Kari Ikonen’s piano for the very expressive and agile exit that spends 13 minutes mesmerizing us with its sublime interplay.
A very astute affair, Passenier hones in on the realities facing society today, and his symphonic approach to song craft that welcomes Josep Vicent as conductor for the 2 of the 3 pieces, makes an indelible impression.
Travels well with: Amplify; London Symphony Orchestra- Sparks: Eye Of London