Time
Ecstatic, 2022
8/10
An artist whose work has been taken on by The Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony, Michael Torke brings us 5 pieces that use percussion, strings and winds and spans 45 minutes under a constant 126 beats per minute.
“Span 1” opens the listen with Torke’s piano acrobatics alongside Alan Kay’s well timed clarinet for both a swift and calm atmosphere, and “Span 2” follows with a very upbeat presence that can get a bit louder amid wordless singing, bright clarinet and subtle strings.
The middle spot is occupied by “Span 3”, and showcases soulful sax and Torke’s fascinating piano skills in the soaring album highlight, while “Span 4” gets a bit more emotive, with a dreamy ambience that uses Tessa Lark’s violin superbly. The final track, “Span 5”, benefits much from Ian Rosenbaum’s memorable marimba, as the unpredictable texturing is quite cinematic and meticulous.
Other musicians on hand include Pat Posey (sax), Elliot Figg (harp), Sarah Brailey (sax), Paul Wiancko (cello), and Michael Thurber (bass), and they all help flesh out Torke’s inimitable vision of orchestral song craft that’s quite modern, stylish and exciting.
Travels well with: Loadbang- Quiver; Tom Flaherty- Mixed Messages