Quaking Aspen
New Focus, 2022
9/10
The debut album from the Colombian-American soprano Stephanie Lamprea, there’s also spoken word from William Bond present, as words written by female poets from the 19th through 21st centuries are explored with a contemporary-classical and avant-garde approach.
Jason Eckardt’s “Quaking Aspen” opens the listen with fascinating, haunting vocal acrobatics, as guttural sounds are met with breathy moments of intrigue, and Donna Masini’s “Water Lilies I” follows with Bond’s expressive and vivid spoken word that unfolds with a poetic quality.
Elsewhere, “Bathing”, by Wang Lu, mixes talking and singing with a very unpredictable approach that’s capable of being operatic, while Hannah Selin’s “Mid-Day” showcases Lamprea’s impressive range and tone amid a droning quality.
Moving towards the end, George N. Gianopoulos’ “An Autumn Sunset: II ‘Lagooned In Gold’” offers a stunning delivery of sublime and soaring dynamcs from Lamprea’s powerful pipes, and “Flowers For Eurydice”, by James May, exits the listen with timeless beauty that resonates warmth and adventurousness.
An extremely unique affair that makes the most of Lamprea’s coloratura voice in both harsh and soothing ways, subtle electronics and Bond’s captivating performance makes for a highly experimental and unforgettable journey that you’ll want to take again.
Travels well with: Adam Roberts- Bell Threads; Mark Kirschenmann- Cybersonic Outreach