Here I Am
New Focus, 2024
8/10
The composer Lainie Fefferman draws from ancients texts from the Hebrew Bible, and along with TRANSIT New Music and many vocalists, this unique chamber rock experience produces 10 distinct tracks.
After the brief spoken word “Introduction” details the 12 tribes of Israel, Andie Tanning’s striking violin leads into dreamy ebbs, where Fefferman’s expressive pipes suit Joe Bergen’s thumping drums across “Lot’s Daughters”
Arriving at the half way point, Martha Culver, Mellissa Hughes and Caroline Shaw’s vocal trio prowess populates the Greek Chorus of “Offerings”, while “Sword On Thigh” spotlights Meaghan Burke’s animated voice amid David Friend’s well timed keys and Taylor Levine’s distorted electric guitar.
Close to the end, “Lineage” has the trio voices return for an extension of the 12 tribes from the opening piece, and “Take Your Son” exits with harmonic strings, Hughes’ solo vocals and subtle percussion from Pete Wise for a soothing finish.
A project that is 15 years in the making, Fefferman’s intellectual and emotional vision flows out via these lush, sometimes minimal, other times maximal selections that are artistic and thought provoking.
Travels well with: Kate Soper- The Hunt; Jessica Meyer- I Long And Seek After