Purposing The Air
Pyroclastic, 2025
9/10
The inventive composer Ingrid Laubrock enlists Fay Victor, Mariel Roberts, Sara Serpa, Matt Mitchell, Theo Bleckmann, Ben Monder, Rachel Calloway and Ari Streisfeld for this library of moods based on the poetry of Erica Hunt, plus 4 vocal-instrumental duos.
The early tracks feature Victor’s voice and Robert’s cello across 15 unpredictable segments, where “Koan 46” manipulates the strings in nearly sci-fi ways as Victor uses vocals like an instrument. Serpa and Mitchell’s contributions follows; Serpa’s higher register suits Mitchell’s colorful keys, as “Koan 49” showcases mesmerizing piano amid the striking singing.
Bleckmann and Monder are up next. Monder’s electric guitar is utilized in an iconoclastic fashion alongside Bleckmann’s unorthodox mouth acrobatics, while Calloway’s stunning soprano and Streisfeld’s meticulous violin interact playfully for the unconventional take on classical music of the remaining 15 chapters.
A really complex and sonically engaging experience. Laubrock’s vision is one of an experimental nature that flirts with jazz in ways that few others could parallel.
Travels well with: Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch; Modney- Ascending Primes