Lines At Dusk
Navona, 2020
8/10
A professor and horn enthusiast, John McGuire brings us 7 pieces here by different composers, where a small handful of players help flesh out the profound and exciting performances.
“Landscapes, Series II” starts the listen with 3 movements, where McGuire’s delicate horn is complemented by Kevin Chance’s sublime piano work which bridges the gap between the serenity of the country and fast paced, urban sensibilities, and this graceful delivery continues to “Batuque”, where Wesley Ferreira’s clarinet prowess joins the setting on the call and response tactics.
The back half of the listen brings us “Laudatio”, as McGuire handles the entire affair with a marveling, cinematic appeal, and “Brass Quintet No. 1” ends the listen busier, where a tuba, trombone and trumpets from The Fortress Brass Quintet all support the exit with plenty of energy and precision.
An artist who has studied the horn about as much as anyone, McGuire offers both bare and expansive landscapes, where a poetic approach to his craft unfolds with plenty of timelessness.
Travels well with: Anna Neikirk- Spring Shadows; Moto Celeste- Trio Casals