Seven By Seven
Neuma, 2021
8/10
Amazingly, the 7 tracks here were prepared when Wesley Fuller was 89 years old, and his work spans from 1977-2009 on the recording, where acoustic instruments and electronic sounds meet at a very unique intersection as 7 performers (including the computer) are in attendance.
“Time Into Pieces” starts the album with a collage of keys from Catherine Fuller and computers making bleeps and bloops as space is manipulated with a barrage of organic versus synthetic noises injected amid stark beauty and minimal stabs, and “Concert Piece” follows with Nancy Cirillo’s violin acrobatics as a cinematic quality unfolds with both mystery and allure in its tense climate.
Elsewhere, “Sherd Of Five” finds itself in sci-fi territory as plenty of aberrant, even intimidating noises are present, while “Four Phases Of Three” displays precise flute prowess by Kim McCormick and percussion courtesy of Robert McCormick that emits much beauty. “Phases Cycles” exits the listen, where Maria Lambros’ viola and computer interact in fascinating, bold ways that illustrate an incredible compatibility.
Sadly, this is Fuller’s swan song as he passed away in 2020, and he leaves us with an artistic, iconoclastic and inimitable body of work that illustrates a grand vision that will enthrall listeners for generations to come.
Travels well with: Robert Moran- Points Of Departure; Kenneth Gaburo- New Music Choral Ensemble