Souvenir
Redshift, 2023
8/10
The Victoria, British Columbia composer Christopher Butterfield brings along the Aventa Ensemble and the conductor Bill Linwood for these large ensemble pieces that expand across 14+ minutes each.
The title track opens the listen with carefully plucked strings that align with a chorus of tree frogs captured in Barbados, unpredictable flutes, adventurous clarinet and exciting percussion for the very distinct chamber climate.
The middle tracks belong to “parc” and “Frame”, where the former uses Ricks Sacks’ animated vibraphone and the bright horns for a very calm versus lively contrast, while the latter is the most sparse offering, although the drumming acrobatics on the back half of the track are quite rowdy.
“Port Bou” exits the listen, and it’s an orchestral influenced finish that puts much emphasis on tonality and swirling dynamics that makes great use out of Keith McLeod and Erin Marks’ skilled winds.
A highly creative experience that embraces experimental and classical moments, Butterfield and company make for a modern body of work that weaves in and out of melodies, abstract bursts and colorful tension that few could replicate.
Travels well with: Joseph Petric- Seen; Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness