The Solomon Diaries
Adhyaropa, 2022
8/10
The clarinetist Sam Sadigursky brings us a very adventurous effort here, where a 3 CD set is inspired by New York’s Borscht Belt Region.
Disc 1 leads with the warm textures of “Flight Of The Commodore”, where a mysterious cinematic quality enters the cautious landscape, and it isn’t long until “Revolution Room” places graceful keys alongside soothing clarinet as soundbites help cultivate the mood. Near to the end of this portion, “Glass Houses” welcomes accordion into the ambient and unpredictable climate.
Disc 2 opens with the dreamy delivery of the meditative “Kudman Chant”, and “Rosemond Tango” lands in the middle, where it blends accordion with a Klezmer feel. “Family Matters” resides near the end, and showcases acrobatic piano playing against the frisky accordion.
Disc 3 makes an immediate impression with the shimmering “Abel’s Doina”, where the soft clarinet resonates in the gentle textures, and “Wiltz Waltz” puts an indeed waltz friendly feeling into the charming disc highlight. “Fannie’s Waltz” then uses keys precisely in the charming and memorable finish.
An extremely articulate release that pulls from jazz, post-minimalism and world music, Sadigursky brings a wealth of experience from playing with the Philip Glass Ensemble, and the contributions from Nathan Kocion’s accordion, banjo and piano and Katrina Lenk on vocals only adds much more allure to the formula.
Travels well with: Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Tod Machover: Death And The Powers; Spatial Forces Duo- Little Spectacle