Dover Quartet

Beethoven Complete String Quartets: Volume 3

Cedille, 2022

8/10

Listen to Beethoven Complete String Quartets: Volume 3

The Grammy nominated outfit Dover Quartet finish off their Beethoven cycle with these 5 late, revolutionary quartets that unfold across 3 discs of precise and exciting musicianship.

“Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127” starts the listen with the meticulously and swift strings that can also retreat to calmer moments of beauty, and “Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat major, Op. 130” follows with the playful string interaction making for a very captivating album highlight.

In the middle, the tense and meticulous “Grosse Fuge in B-flat major, Op. 133” manipulates the strings in very atypical ways, while “Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131” finds intimate areas to reside in that rely on strong attention to mood and atmosphere.

The final piece, “Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135”, flows with plenty of thriving, melodic gestures that illustrate the dynamic relationship between the players.

This is the 5th album from the Dover Quartet on the Cedille label, and like everything they’ve done, it again cements just why they are considered one of the most exceptional young quartets that exists today.

Travels well with: Anthony McGill & Gloria Chien- Here With You; Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day

Laurie Berkner

Another Laurie Berkner Christmas

Two Tomatoes, 2022

8/10

Listen to Another Laurie Berkner Christmas

One of the most prolific and respected artists in the area of children’s music, Laurie Berkner’s 2nd Christmas album brings some very special guests in for the 18 timeless and really fun tunes.

“Holly Jolly Christmas” opens the listen with gorgeous harmonizing in the upbeat and radiant spirit, and “Good King Wenceslas” follows with Norm Lewis contributing his expressive baritone to the eloquent climate.

Moving along, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” focuses on Berkner’s pretty singing amid the soft melodies, while “Winter Wonderland” is full of calm drums and a folk-pop presence that makes this version one of the coziest you’ll hear.

Closer to the end, “Little Tree”, one of three originals, is full of Berkner’s universally enjoyable song craft that’s fun for the whole family, and, of the bonus tracks, the dance remix of “Jingle Bells” will be sure to get everyone in the family moving to the lively and playful take on the classic.

Berkner’s always impressive band of Susie Lampert (keyboards), Brady Rymer (bass), and Bobby Golden (drums) are in fine form, and additional contributions from David Mann (saxophone, horn arrangements), Trevor Neumann (trumpet), and guest vocalists Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche only further solidify this as yet another must hear family album.

Travels well with: Martin And Rose Music- Dear Heart; Again Again- Your Voice Is Magic

Laura Ainsworth

You Asked For It

Eclectus, 2022

8/10

Listen to You Asked For It

The retro-jazz vocalist Laura Ainsworth brings her seasoned pipes to this 4th album that’s comprised of requests by fans, where the Dallas artist obliges with new arrangements of songs most of us have heard before.

“Cry Me A River” starts the listen with bright brass, as Ainsworth’s charming and distinct voice guides the timeless jazz climate, and “All The Things You Are” follows with a heartfelt spirit that benefits much from Brian Piper’s graceful keys and Steve Barnes’ agile drumming.

Further on, “Scotch And Soda” illustrates much range in Ainsworth’s fluid pipes amid Noel Johnson’s smooth guitar, while “Isn’t It Romantic?” certainly is with its emotive singing, lively melodies and soulful horns.

Deeper yet, “Once Upon A Time” twinkles a bit, and finds itself in cautious areas of lush, stirring song craft, and “Over The Rainbow” exits the listen with a vocally focused and moving but adventurous version of the classic.

A very well done interpretation of The Great American Songbook, Ainsworth’s formula and aesthetics are firmly planted in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and her balancing of intimacy, harmonies and minimal versus layered musicianship makes for 11 timeless reworkings.

Travels well with: Vanessa Racci- Jazzy Italian; Aimée Allen- Love & The Catalyst

Julian Taylor

Beyond The Reservoir

Howling Turtle, 2022

8/10

Listen to Beyond The Reservoir

The Toronto singer-songwriter Julian Taylor returns with another very personal batch of tunes, where autobiographical stories and a rare vulnerability comes with help from Derek Downham (piano), Gene Diabo (drums) and Barry Diabo (bass), plus guest spots.

“Moonlight” opens the listen with a warm, emotive acoustic guitar presence amid soothing harmonies and a slight jangle alongside the aching pedal steel, and “Murder 13” follows with stirring Americana that populated with vivid storytelling and a very eloquent appeal.

“Seeds” lands at the halfway point and is a fuller version of roots rock that showcases Taylor’s expressive pipes alongside graceful keys and crisp drums, while “Stolen Lands” offers a lush and darker peek at very cautious and poetic song craft.

Deeper into the back half, the stirring strings of “Moving” is one of the most intimate tracks, where so much beauty enters, and “100 Proof” exits with a more upbeat selection that’s steeped in retro-folk nods that we could never tire of.

Sometimes a bleak affair, Taylor’s heartfelt, soulful and very rich formula makes each selection here a song you can lost in and revisit often.

Travels well with: Scott Clay- Let It All Lay Bare; Rachel McIntyre Smith- Glory Daze

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla

Weinberg Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 and Flute Concerto No. 1

Deutsche Grammophon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Weinberg Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 and Flute Concerto No. 1

The Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla returns with some of Weinberg’s most crucial work that was penned during turbulent times, and she makes the pieces quite accessible with her inimitable attention to detail and esteemed players on hand.

“Symphony No. 7” opens the listen and is penned for harpsichord and strings, where the symphony glides with calm musicianship and Kirill Gerstein’s solos and The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen’s delicate, soaring approach that also touches on dramatic gestures.

In the middle, “Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 1” showcases the soloist Marie-Christine Zupancic and recruits charming klezmer moments in its frisky, animated presence that’s quite exciting.

The earliest work present here, “Symphony No. 3”, exits the affair, where the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra helps showcase rich folk tunes from Poland and from Belarus in the flowing and very precise interactions between the large ensemble.

Gražinytė-Tyla also interpreted Weinberg’s work with her 2019 debut on the Deutsche Grammophon label, and this follow up is equally exceptional and continues her esteemed and inestimable vision.

Travels well with: Hildur Guðnadóttir- Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár; Víkingur Ólafsson- From Afar

Sirintip

Carbon

Ropeadope, 2022

8/10

Listen to Carbon

An extremely creative listen, the Bangkok artist Sirintip returns with a sophomore album that comes after 3 years of climate research and welcomes many contributors to the electro-jazz meets pop hybrid.

“hydrogen” opens the listen with warm, expressive singing before swift and playful electronica enters the adventurous jazz versus electro-pop that makes good use of Chris McQueen’s moollon guitar, and “aqi” follows with nolan byrd’s skilled drums and marimba complementing the graceful singing and intimate spirit.

Deeper into the affair, “red eyes” recruits a firm beat that illuminates Sirintip’s absorbing pipes and Nic Hard’s synth bass programming and drum programming, while “Unspoken Gold” showcases Owen Broder’s agile baritone saxophone amid the well timed piano from Kengchakaj Kengkarnka.

Arriving near the end, the bare beauty of “earth moment” pairs Sirintip’s gorgeous voice with the emotive keys for sublime piano balladry, and “siri” exits with programing and vocal effects contributing to the stylish, inventive finish.

Sirintip and company birth a new conversation about climate change, and their dedication to the cause is present by making this one of the world’s first bioplastic records, which is a plant based high performance natural polymer that will have focus on sustainability in the vinyl pressing process- a concept that’s as innovative as the music.

Travels well with: Claudia Acuña- Duo; Dred Scott- Rides Alone

Eren Gümrükçüoglu

Pareidolia

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Pareidolia

The Turkish composer Eren Gümrükçüoglu brings us 7 of his inimitable works for chamber ensembles, and it makes great use of several groups and artists that help cultivate a rhythmic, abstract and uniquely harmonic body of work.

“Pandemonium” starts the listen with media electronics, where timbral manipulation and three dimensional soundscapes are met with a very unusual delivery, and the title track follows with the JACK Quartet, as brass, drums and fixed media emit an atypical rhythm, syncopated textures and quivering strings for the organic versus synthetic swells.

Further into the unconventional landscape, “Ordinary Things” recruits the Deviant Septet for an iconoclastic mashing of brass, winds, percussion and strings that even mixes in excerpts of speeches from the leader of Turkey, while “Lattice Scattering” benefits from the Ensemble Suono Giallo’s flute, piano and media, where the pair of acoustic instruments and the electronics make for a dense and unorthodox album highlight.

The final track, “Asansör Asimptotu”, is just electronics, and it’s as exciting as it is unusual, glitchy and groove filled, but not in the traditional sense.

Gümrükçüoglu’s background in jazz is present here, as are plenty of cinematic ideas, and the research he’s done on the dynamics of electronics and live instruments is put to great use for our appreciation and fascination.

Travels well with: Movses Pogossian- Hommage à Kurtág; Greg Stuart- Subtractions

Separate Bed

Separate Bed

Apollon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Separate Bed

The debut solo album from Bosse Litsheim, who is a prominent member of the highly praised outfit Ai Phoenix, as Separate Bed he welcomes the help of the electro-acoustic skills of Mari Kvien Brunvoll, plus others, across these 9 mesmerizing, well thought out tracks.

“Kid Phoenix” starts the listen with much warmth, where soft guitar and expressive singing from Brunvoll makes for a gentle opener, and “Citizen Of Rumination” follows with Frode Fivel’s soaring pipes and Magnus Abelsen’s skilled bass populating the cautious indie-rock climate.

In the middle, the fuller “Will Way Ditch” comes with a dreamy, swirling demeanor of mystery, while “Boy In Crystal Sky” emits a prettiness thanks to Mona Hynne’s poetic singing amid the nearly spiritual quality.

Approaching the end, “Want To Be Castaway” flirts with folk ideas in a lo-fi setting, and “Return To Nothingness” exits with calm keys alongside a stirring ambience and rare intimacy.

A generally slow burning affair that might remind you of Lambchop, St. Thomas or Yo La Tengo, Litsheim is a highly creative artist, and this new moniker of songs worked on with Tarjei Thomassen and Robert Jønnum continue his streak of compelling music.

Travels well with: Friendship- Alchemy Of Your Destiny; Honeyvein- Honeyvein

Color As Time

Soma Schema

Adhyâropa, 2022

9/10

Listen to Soma Schema

The Philadelphia composer/performer Joshua Stamper leads his sextet Color As Time through 15 tracks of adventurous and unique jazz sounds that tip their hats to the harmonic gestures of Wayne Shorter or Bill Evans.

“the elaborator” starts the listen with Matt Scarano’s skilled and unpredictable drumming alongside plenty of bright brass and Stamper’s precise guitar playing, and “with (con) turning (verse)” follows with a dreamy appeal that benefits from warm synth and Mike Cemprola’s airy flute.

Closer to the middle, the calm keys and soulful horns of “close cover strike gently” help make for an intimate spirit that builds into a textured jazz rocker, while “eardrum thrum” is a short and impactful blend of cozy brass and pretty guitar that makes an indelible impression.

Nearing the end, “telescoper (the smallest eye)” rumbles a bit with firm piano amid the precisely layered drums, winds, guitars and brass, and “wonder is the clearer lens” exits the listen with a bare demeanor that’s full of beauty and mystery.

A very captivating body of work that presents grooves, pitch and tone in atypical forms, consider Soma Schema a prog-jazz meet indie-rock adventure that you’ll enjoy immensely.

Travels well with: Matt Aronoff- Morning Song; Sam Sadigursky- The Solomon Diaries

Bear, Man Dangerous

Unofficial Coworker

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Unofficial Coworker

A Seattle artist with a penchant for the unorthodox, Bear, Man Dangerous takes help from Adam King (drums, backing vocals) and David Thomas (bass, backing vocals) for this quick listen of exciting, unusual and hard hitting rock.

“Tlӧn, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius” gets the listen off to a noisy, rumbling start, where post-punk and stoner-rock are met with an undercurrent of rugged melody, and the thumping drums and chunky bass are complemented by raw singing.

“Bois Sauvage” occupies the middle spot, and drones with an ominous quality that’s sometimes bare, other times thick and buried in a charming dissonance, and the title track exits with a similar density that’s lyrically upfront and musically dynamic in a shoegaze, meets punk meets weirdo-rock fashion.

A truly unclassifiable affair, these 3 tracks might bring to mind John Reis (Drive Like Jehu), Daniel Higgs (Lungfish) or the Touch & Go roster from the early ‘90s, which, if you’re asking me, is about as great a combination as you’ll hear anywhere.

Travels well with: New Age Healers- Debris; Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution

Kate Hamann

Momentary Beauty

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Momentary Beauty

The Omaha native Kate Hamann began playing trumpet at age 10, and her knowledge of classical and jazz sounds with her instrument sure do suite her distinct singing, as 8 very rich and diverse songs unfold here.

“Butterflies” starts the listen with Hamann’s soulful brass, Max Marsillo’s crisp drums and Diego Melgar’s fluid guitar in the energetic and flowing jazz climate, and “What Love Could Be” follows with Angel Perez’s stirring piano alongside Hamann’s gorgeous voice in the poetic, intimate landscape.

In the middle, the indeed dreamy “Daydream” showcases Jason Arkins’ warm sax, Mike Ramos’ strategic bass lines and Hamann’s flugelhorn prowess in the very soothing delivery, while “Stepping Stones” highlights Hamann’s expressive voice amid the calm keys and rich brass.

The title track arrives near the end and has the rhythm section making for a mesmerizing appeal that’s heavy on mood, and “Songs We Used To Sing” exits with a very eloquent and reflective quality thanks to the cautious instrumentation from they very talented players on hand.

An album that tells a lengthy love story and covers its highs and lows, although Hamann is a youngster compared to many of her peers, she possesses a vision wise beyond her years and is clearly gearing up for an exceptional career.

Travels well with: Acute Inflections- Let Go; Griffin Woodard Group- Completion

Matthew Davies

Skywriter

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Skywriter

An artist with his hands full at all times, Matthew Davies is probably with his 4 kids or swimming when he’s not making music solo or with his band Thriftones, and this installment of his song craft brings plenty of help along for the Americana/hybrid listen.

“On The Radio” opens with some quick hand percussion, before swift acoustic guitar and crisp drumming from Hayward Williams complements the vivid storytelling that’s quite breezy, and “Bring My Old Friend Back” follows with a calmer pace of soulful backing vocals from Steph Davies and Orly Bendavid for the nostalgic folk-rock appeal.

Halfway through, “Muddy River Blues” showcases a more intimate delivery of expressive singing and reflective guitar that indeed touches on the blues, while “Monster” highlights Andrew Koenig’s precise bass in the haunting album highlight.

“Love To Ice” and “Bright Lights” exits the listen, where the former has a bit of a warm jangle that’s got some rootsy flavor that you could dance to, and the latter leads with piano balladry before building into a lush, cautious folk-rocker.

Davies brings a wealth of talent and experience to these sincere and timeless songs that are universally relatable and will serve as a fine introduction to this Wisconsin troubadour that we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Adam Ezra Group- Better Than Bootleg, Vol. 3; Steve Dawson- at the bottom of a canyon in the branches of a tree

Sam Blakesee & Wistful Thinking

Busy Body

Outside In Music, 2022

8/10

Listen to Busy Body

The trombonist and composer Sam Blakesee returns with a sophomore album with the ensemble Wistful Thinking, where electronic moments and chamber ideas enter the distinct jazz climate.

The title track opens the listen with Brandon Coleman’s skilled electric guitar and Brian Crock’s well timed flute in the energetic and stylish climate, and “Hollandaise Sauce” follows with special guest Dan Pugach’s drumming acrobatics amid the sci-fi friendly electronica and soulful trombone.

Further on, “Wistful Thinking” is the 2nd track with the guest James Haddad’s agile drumming that populate the intimate appeal, while “Klepto” thumps, buzzes and impresses us with its thick rock nods that are firm and meticulous.

On the back half, “What Was” recruits Matt Wiles’ Moog synth and Chris Coles’ alto sax for the mysterious and highly atmospheric album highlight, and “Postinterlude” exits with a dreaminess that’s ambient, soothing and creative.

An extremely unique fusion delivery, Blakesee and company truly defy classification across these 10 exploratory, manipulated and sonically engaging pieces that few could replicate.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City; Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts

Harvie S And Roni Ben-Hur With Sylvia Cuenca

Wondering

Dot Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Wondering

The bassist Harvie S and the guitarist Roni Ben-Hur bring along Sylvia Cuenca’s drums for these 10 tracks that were recorded live with no editing during a brief respite from Covid’s limitations.

“Boplicity” leads and indeed does bop with much warmth and playfulness, as Harvie’s bass is plucked so precisely, and “For Duke” follows with swift drumming and agile guitar lines in the melodic and frisky climate.

At the midpoint, “The Gentle Art Of Love” is quite intimate, and unfolds with an indeed romantic spirit thanks to the charming bass and soft drums, while “Ray” showcases the stunning bass acrobatics amid reflective guitar and a very focused Cuenca.

“What Was” and “Menage Blue” exit the listen, where the former is stylish, energetic and dynamic, and the latter finishes with a dreamy, introspective mood of lovely interaction between the trio.

The sound quality here is incredible, and despite fleshing it out during a fleeting window of opportunity, it flows with a very calculated demeanor that embraces modern and fusion aspects into the trio jazz formula.

Travels well with: The Ostara Project- The Ostara Project; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club

The Ostara Project

The Ostara Project

Cellar, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Ostara Project

An outfit spearheaded by the bassist Jodi Proznick and the pianist Amanda Tosoff, The Ostara Project make an impressive first album here with 8 lively, cultured and diverse jazz tunes.

“Delta Sky” starts the listen with Sanah Kadoura’s playful drums and Rachel Therrien’s soulful trumpet complementing the warm vocal scatting, and “Storms And Oceans” follows with Joanna Majoko’s very pretty vocals guiding the dreamy, lush climate.

Halfway through, “Lluviona” showcases the acrobatic drumming alongside the bright alto sax from Allison Au, while “Tides Are Turning” gets quite intimate, stirring even, and benefits much from the very expressive singing and Jocelyn Gould’s cozy, meticulous guitar.

The final two tracks are also top notch, and include the hypnotic, rich and busy “Bye Bye Blackbird” and the louder “Rise” exits with a powerful, elegant and rock influenced appeal that illustrates just how adaptable the band are.

The members in The Ostara Project have collectively reached 9 JUNO nominations and 3 JUNO Awards, and they bring that immense skill to these articulate and timeless compositions that were recorded in just 4 days.

Travels well with: Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club; Billy Drummond And Freedom Of Ideas- Valse Sinistre

Juniper

She Steals Candy

Fabcom!, 2023

8/10

Listen to She Steals Candy

Although she’s just 17 years old, the New Jersey musician Juniper performs like a seasoned vet across these timeless tracks that offer some diverse ideas of pop, and features guest spots from names we all know.

“BANG!” gets the listen off to an energetic start with Juniper’s bright and expressive singing alongside buzzing guitars and rolling drums, and “James” follows with plenty of backing vocals amid the playful melodies that populate the classic from The Bangles.

Elsewhere, “Picture Of You” recruits Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo) on harmony vocals for the intimate climate that welcomes an accordion, while the original “Ride Between The Cars” is a quick burst of retro-pop fun that benefits from well timed organ, scrappy drums and the songwriter Michael Shelley’s fuzzy guitar.

The best track arrives closer to the end, where Juniper’s interpretation of “Turn To You” does justice to The Go-Go’s with a breezy rhythm and plenty of charm, and “I’ve Got A Boy” exits with a raw and animated punk rock demeanor that’s as firm as it is memorable.

Juniper takes help from such noted names as Dennis Diken (The Smithereens), Steve Goulding (Mekons) and Chris Geddes (Belle and Sebastian), to name a few, and they sure do make for a powerful, heartfelt, and often nostalgic appeal that, even at 16 tracks, finishes far too soon.

Travels well with: Stacy Peasley- Make It Happen; Andew & Polly- Go For The Moon

Hildur Guðnadóttir

Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár

Deutsche Grammophon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár

A concept album of music from and inspired by the movie Tár, Hildur Guðnadóttir’s work is complemented by works of Elgar and Mahler, and mixes strings, brass, vocals and keys from some very exceptional players/ensembles.

“For Petra” starts the listen with a very expressive vocal piece, where Guðnadóttir’s stirring presence is quite alluring, and “Mortar” follows with the London Contemporary Orchestra’s mysterious, droning appeal alongside Guðnadóttir’s moody cello.

Further on, Mahler’s “Rehearsals” recruits the Dresdner Philharmonie and interjects talking parts from Cate Blanchett for the sometimes bare, other times booming delivery, while Elgar’s “Cello Concerto in E Minor” unfolds across 6 adventurous chapters that embraces Sophie Kauer’s stirring cello.

Further yet, J.S. Bach’s “Prelude in C Major BWV 846” pairs Blanchett’s swirling piano playing with dialogue from the movie, and “Cura Mente” exits with Elisa Vargas Fernandez’s stunning voice front and center on the very poetic finish.

A very well thought out listen, the project ends up relaying real-life versions of the music on which we see the fictional protagonist working, and serves to reveal something of the rehearsal and recording process of orchestral music-making. Even for those not familiar with the film, this is highly interesting.

Travels well with Víkingur Ólafsson- From Afar; Daniil Trifonov- BACH: The Art Of Life

Aubrey Johnson & Randy Ingram

Play Favorites

Sunnyside, 2022

8/10

Listen to Play Favorites

The vocalist Aubrey Johnson and pianist Randy Ingram come together for 12 covers and an original that showcase the pair’s intimate chemistry and immense skill that transcends time with plenty of jazz flavor.

“My Future” starts the listen with warm, pretty singing alongside the elegant and heartfelt piano playing, and “If Ever I Would Leave You” follows with a quicker pace of soaring vocal acrobatics that includes playful scatting.

Further along, the dreamy finger acrobatics of “Olha Maria” complement the very cultured singing, while “Chovendo Na Roseira” glides with a frisky pulse of bouncy keys, upbeat vocals and no lack of worldly melodies.

Further still, “Born To Be Blue” plays close attention to mood amid the vivid storytelling and meticulous piano playing, and “My Ideal” exits with very exciting piano work and Johnson’s impressive range populating the 1930 classic.

Much like the legendary duos of Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson, and Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, Johnson and Ingram illuminate the Great American Songbook with much charm, sophistication and timelessness.

Travels well with: Judy Niemack- What’s Love?; Kate Baker & Vic Juris- Return To Shore

Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Trio Dété

Turning Point

5Passion, 2022

8/10

Listen to Turning Point

The Grammy Award winning pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba finds himself with a new trio here, where Eric Harland’s drums and Matt Brewer’s bass are on hand for the 7 originals that unfold with a timeless jazz spirit.

“Infantil” gets the listen off to a very warm and playful start with the intricate piano and bouncy bass lines, and “Otra Mirada” follows with the precise drums complementing the dreamy keys as a very reflective tone unfolds.

Further along, “Iku” leads bare, with strategic bass plucking, where the mature piano emits a very sage-like quality, while “Turning II” bops and shakes with a swing filled energy of swift and animated interaction between the trio. The final track, “Joy, Joie”, is also great, and illustrates the very skilled chemistry the players hold, where the dynamic rhythm section accents Rubalcaba’s meticulous progressions.

A veteran recording artist, Gonzalo is constantly reinventing his work, and this 2nd effort in a trilogy of trio recordings is a highly creative, uniquely collaborative and certainly worth many listens.

Travels well with: Eddie Palmieri- Sonido Solar; Will Vinson- Tripwire

Alla Elana Cohen

Quaestiones Et Responsa

Ravello, 2019

8/10

Listen to Quaestiones Et Responsa

A double album that celebrates her 30 years in America, the Boston resident Alla Elana Cohen brings us new works for chamber orchestra and chamber ensembles on this highly detailed listen.

“Partita” starts the listen with 6 movements that range from quivering strings to quirky vibraphone to orchestral elegance, and later on “Querying The Silence” recruits flutes, oboes, clarinets and keys into a dizzying, sometimes tense display of dynamic skill.

The 2nd disc is equally mesmerizing, and includes the 4 movements of “Prophecies”, where the ensemble finds a nice balance between playful and formal, and “Prophecies” shows up again near the end with a chamber orchestra, and follows a different route of sublime, cultured beauty.

“Inner Temple” exits the lengthy release with cello and keys in the least busy but no less impactful conclusion.

There’s much going on in these textured arrangements, and the packaging contains notes from Cohen to aid the listener in the journey. For fans of classical sounds, there’s something for everyone here, and it’s all delivered flawlessly.

Travels well with: Bill Whitley- Then Elephants Speak; Giya Kancheli- Mourned By The Wind