For George Lewis/Autoschediasms
Cantaloupe, 2021
8/10
Listen to For George Lewis/Autoschediasms
A musician and composer who’s well versed in both jazz and classical ideas, Tyshawn Sorey aligns himself with the Alarm Will Sound ensemble for 3 lengthy compositions that further illustrate his knack for avant-garde contemporary classical sounds and atypical chamber influences.
“For George Lewis” starts the listen with atmospheric keys as the intimate and exploratory 53 minutes unfolds with an often cinematic version of the orchestra manipulating harmonies and notes with an unparalleled attention to detail and mood.
“Autoschediasms 2019, no. 4: St. Louis” occupies the middle spot and manages to tweak strings into a sci-fi sort of delivery, as unpredictable keys complement the busy, fusion qualities that push and pull with fascinating tension.
The final track, “Autoschediasms 2020: Video Chat Variations”, might be the most ominous of the 3, where the chilling textures are blurred into a meshing of strings, winds and brass in a controlled chaos sort of climate. Further on into the 25 minutes, the setting does slip into gentler moments of jazz influenced song craft, where soulful horns and aching strings conclude the journey.
A fitting tribute for George Lewis, who served as a mentor for Sorey, together with the always impressive Alarm Will Sound outfit, this is a collaboration of the highly imaginative kind, and it’s one that never out welcomes its stay.
Travels well with: Douglas J. Cuomo- Seven Limbs; Tom Nazziola- Distant Places