Chaos Theory
Acis, 2022
9/10
The educator and composer Shawn Crouch brings us a chamber listen influenced by science, autobiography and reaction to toxic news, and it’s full of world premiere recordings that are entirely devoted to his works and display several players and ensembles.
“Burnout” opens the listen with the Switch-Ensemble on hand to provide quivering strings in the mysterious, mesmerizing display of unconventional chamber song craft, and “95 South” follows with the BLT trio bringing their winds to the very dreamy, cinematic qualities that’s also quite warm thanks to the flute, clarinet and bassoon.
“Suspended Contact” lands in the middle, and recruits the Yesaroun’ Duo for an alto sax and percussion album highlight that certainly doesn’t lack any energy, while “Orbital Variations” showcases Craig Hultgren’s stunning cello playing that manipulates mood and tone splendidly.
The title track finishes the listen, and spotlights the Ensemble Ibis and Crouch as director, where a bit of an ominous demeanor enters the dynamic, absorbing instrumentation that few could replicate.
Crouch is no stranger to winning awards, and this body of work should certainly garner him just as many accolades, where all the tracks are acutely distinct and resonate with much creativity.
Travels well with: Arlen Hlusko & Scott Ordway- Nineteen Movements For Unaccompanied Cello; The Sonic Arts Ensemble- Live From The Multiverse