Figments

Vol. 2: Contemporary Solo And Chamber Ensemble Works

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Vol. 2 Contemporary Solo And Chamber Ensemble Works

This 2nd installment of the Figments series highlights the work of Yuan-Chen Li, Peter Dayton, Hans Bakker, Navid Bargrizan and Charles Corey, as the listen illuminates the ingenious vision of the composers and their varied output.

“Tell” starts the listen with alto saxophone and unique vocals from Jesse Maxfield on a quivering, yet playful opener, and “Mar De Lurin” follows with oboe from Jennifer Slowick and guitar by David William Ross as the pair exercise gorgeous interplay on the cautious, poetic delivery.

In the middle, “10 Aphorisms” uses both baritone and soprano saxophones in a frisky, unclassifiable environment, while “Se-Charhar-Gah” is armed with a microtonal adjustable guitar from Tolgahan Cogulu for an off kilter display of inimitable talent that’s inspired by Persian classical music.

At the end, “Syzygy” comes with 4 segments that vary from haunting strings to bouts of furiousness and even ambient, warbling textures.

A very calculated record, Figments Vol. 2, even though made up of many different players, comes together in a very cohesive effort that will entertain and challenge the listener with its ever changing focus of classical sounds.

Travels well with: David Maslanka- The River Of Time; Anthony Brandt- Maternity/Ulysses, Home