Mirrored Glass
Ravello, 2020
8/10
A duo comprised of Jonny Smith and Greg Harrison, as Taktus the marimba enthusiasts take inspiration from Ann Southam and Philip Glass on this very unique offering where their percussive technique seemingly knows no creative boundaries.
Side A reinterprets Southam’s “Glass Houses” with lively and careful marimba versions of No. 11, 15, 2, and 4, as well as “Rivers 1 (1st Set)”. Originally done on a piano, the duo uses electronic processing on their instruments to yield a similar tone that’s never short on grooves.
Side B offers the Taktus version of Glass’s “Etudes” and “Music In Contrary Motion”, where the setting gets a bit more ominous, as Harrison and Smith feed off each other’s performances with dynamic precision, effectively turning minimalism into a refined art form.
Though both sides were recorded at different times and in different studios with different engineers, they complement each other well, providing a sonically engaging experience that’s hypnotic while possessing much beauty.
Travels well with: Lachlan Skipworth- Lachlan Skipworth; Patterns- Chamberworks