Borne By A Wind
New Focus, 2021
9/10
The Boston native and esteemed composer Sid Richardson brings us his debut portrait album, where music and literature meet at a very creative and fascinating intersection as many talented artists accompany him on the journey.
“Red Wind: I. A Night In Jaipur” starts the listen with poetic storytelling by Nathaniel Mackey, as plenty of atmosphere adds mystery, and it’s not long until soaring, highly skilled singing from Melissa Hughes enters alongside strategic percussion and well timed horns, and “Red Wind: II. Head Opening” follows with a busier landscape of chamber and jazz ideas as plenty of spoken word is backed by firm drumming from Sam Budish
Later on, “Red Wind: V. Rag” benefits much from playful woodwind as plenty of lively brass and marching band style drumming enters the very agile climate, while “There Is No Sleep So Deep” recruits piano acrobatics from Conrad Tao in a busy versus bare display that amazes us with its unpredictable execution.
“LUNE” and “Astrolabe” bookend the listen, where the former is full of ambience as sounds of wildlife give it a haunting tone that’s glowing with Lilit Hartunia’s violin, and the latter finishes the listen with a controlled chaos approach between flute, clarinet, cello and others that embraces forceful singing and meticulous instrumentation thanks to the Da Capo Chamber Players.
Richardson’s impressive resume includes working with Branford Marsalis, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Deviant Septet (who are included here), among others, and Borne By A Wind is another exciting chapter in his body of work that displays a chamber, orchestral and classical vision that few, if anyone, could replicate.
Travels well with: Wang Lu- At Atlas Of Time; George Lewis- The Recombinant Trilogy