Nimbus
Neuma, 2021
8/10
A record that pairs the creative music of Gina Biver with the poetry of Colette Inez, the Fuse Ensemble flesh out these arrangements that takes a peek into the early life of Inez, who was the lovechild of a Roman Catholic Priest and a young French scholar.
“My Priest Father’s Words” starts the listen with both jumpy and cautious keys as elegant, expressive singing guides the quick opener, and “The Clouds Above My Childhood Street Were Mountains” follows with vivid storytelling, where a light chamber setting unfolds amid the poetry.
“Crossroads” resides near the middle, and offers a key focused display of dreamy song craft, while “Near The Pyrenées” is a light and airy delivery of charming flutes amid eloquent spoken word. “Fish Dinner With Oysters Stripped Of Their Pearls” exits the listen, and recruits strategic percussion and woodwinds in a very precise and memorable finish to an extremely unique effort.
A listen that benefits much from Greg Hiser’s violin, Ethan Foote’s bass, Scott Deal’s percussion and Jennifer Lapple’s flute, to name a few, Nimbus is a quick listen, but one that makes a sizable impression in the area of chamber music.
Travels well with: Robert Moran- Buddha Goes Back To Bayreuth; Wesley Fuller- Seven By Seven