Ask Of Me What The Birds Sang
Navona, 2023
8/10
Listen to Ask Of Me What The Birds Sang
The modern traditionalist composer Garth Baxter brings along a large cast of players for instrumental and vocal pieces here, where he often tips his hat to folk music, and is never short on harmony.
“Spanish Johnny” starts the listen with Katie Procell’s stunning soprano alongside Jeremy Lyons’ melodic guitar in the cultured opener, and “When Lights Begin To Show” follows with Karen Johnson’s dreamy flute and Jennifer Tscheulin’s soothing clarinet making for a very pretty landscape.
Elsewhere, “November 1994” showcases the stunning mezzo soprano of Christine Thomas amid Andrew Stewart’s graceful piano, while “Flirt” allows Valerie Hsu’s flowing keys to complement Procell’s expressive pipes.
Close to the end, “Songs Without Words In Miniature” unfolds across 6 movements of solo piano from Bonghee Lee that are quite absorbing and reflective, and “Still Falls The Rain” exits the listen with Linda Sitková’s meticulous organ meshing with the Kuhn Choir of Prague.
A very diverse take on contemporary chamber sounds, each song resonates with a distinct take on melody, and the unparalleled talent on hand sure do execute flawlessly in Baxter’s inimitable vision.
Travels well with: Frank Felice- The Beauty Of Innuendos; Laurence Sherr- Fugitive Footsteps