Silk Apples
Acis, 2025
9/10
This 2nd album from the inimitable composer Rami Levin brings us songs composed for colleagues, where nods to her much adored Brazil and vulnerable moments are appreciated.
The first 3 tracks belong to “Trio for Viola, Cello, and Piano”, where Anthony Devroye (viola), Cheng-Hou Lee (cello) and Kuang-Hao Huang (piano) interact with intimacy, warmth and much eloquence, and this leads into the Cavatina Duo, i.e. Eugenia Moliner (flute) and Denis Azabagić (guitar), creating a melodic and dreamy landscape across the title track.
In the middle, “This Much and More” pairs Amy Broadbent’s soaring soprano and Kuang-Hao Huang’s meticulous piano in 3 rich and emotive chapters, while “Dois Irmãos, for piano four hands” benefits from Winston Choi’s primo and Kuang-Hao Huang’s secondo via the flowing song craft that’s uplifting.
The detailed album finishes with “Danças brasileiras”, where the Quintet Attacca, i.e. Jennifer Clippert (flute), Erica Anderson (oboe), Barbara Drapcho (clarinet), Collin Anderson (bassoon), and Jeremiah Frederick (horn) dance around each other playfully and charmingly with much color.
A splendid sophomore album from Levin, both gentle and bright moods are explored, and the textures and harmonies are nothing short of engaging.
Travels well with: Rami Levin- Wings; Richard Kolb- Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute