Rick Sowash

Voyageurs

Kickshaw, 2024

9/10

Listen to Voyageurs

The Ohio composer Rick Sowash completes the works of his 13 part cycle, where clarinet, cello and piano from the Upland Trio flesh out the 3 detailed and careful world-premiere recordings.

“Trio No. 11” begins the listen with Christopher Bade’s animated clarinet guiding the rich and elegant climate that shifts from serene to lively, especially the Tango finish that makes great use of Greg Kostraba’s impressive keys.

Landing in the middle, the flowing intimacy of “Trio No. 12” swirls with melody and makes great use of Josh Aerie’s meticulous cello. The late movement, “Starshadows on the Snow”, is particularly luminous, where the swirling piano emits wonder and awe.

The final piece, “Trio No. 13”, exits with 2 chapters, where the wind, strings and keys interact with sublime and playful gestures that are both charming and timeless.

An intricate affair that embraces neo-classical, romantic, neo-romantic and impressionist ideas, Sowash’s art is delivered precisely by the Upland Trio’s flawless skills.

Travels well with: Anthony McGill- American Stories; Elicio Winds- Convergence

Yobrepus

A Rhizome Revolution Part 1

Apollon, 2024

10/10

Listen to A Rhizome Revolution Part 1

The Oslo rockers Yobrepus bring a very artistic approach to this operatic body of work, where a wealth of influences and styles are present across the 6 detailed selections.

The dense buzzing of “Stay Cool” opens the listen with thick guitars and hard hitting drums from Paal Urdal alongside the vocal effects of the impressive start, and “The Enabler” follows with a dreaminess that invites both classic and prog-rock ideas into the flowing melodies that makes great use of Vegard Weyergang Vartdal’s bass.

In the middle, “Protozoa” comes with a hint of mysteriousness via the spacey nods and warm singing thanks to Mats Jørgen Sivertsen, while “Holy Motors” emits a brighter tone that uses acoustic guitar alongside a slight jangle of crisp, indie-rock coziness.

“Firestorm” and “Jupiter” exit the listen, where the former is an intimate moment of poetic singing and gentle keys thanks to Øyvind Rognerud, and the latter carries a soulful mood of much beauty and elegant strings.

Nods to Porcupine Tree, Radiohead or King Crimson are very much enjoyed, as Yobrepus pen a listen that’s as diverse as it is timeless.

Travels well with: The Dredge- Torches; Gaute Storsve Band- Bebé K’awiil

Bandwidth

Where Songs Go At Night

Neuma, 2024

9/10

Listen to Where Songs Go At Night

A collection of 5 diverse pieces by 5 authors, Bandwidth highlight female composers via their distinct and classically influenced formula.

Annika Socolofsky’s “7 Signs You Might Be Living in a Capitalist Hellscape” starts the listen with Kemp Jernigan’s lively oboe and Joshua Michal’s soulful horn that help cultivate busy and calm moments of intrigue.

“Sextet”, by Ingrid Arauco, then arrives with Romie de Guise-Langlois’ elegant clarinet guiding the dreamy bouts, while Hendrik Hofmeyr’s “St. Francis and the Birds” benefits much from Jonathan Hulting-Cohen’s manipulated sax amid the dizzying landscape.

Close to the end, “Beyond Machines and Human Fear, Space which was Never Our Frontier” welcomes moody bassoon to the mysterious demeanor of the Chelsea Komschlies piece, and Anna Weesner’s “Where Songs Go at Night” exits with Cobus du Toit’s airy flute complementing the oboe, clarinet, tenor saxophone, horn, and bassoon in a both graceful and spirited fashion.

A very unique representation of wind instruments in a chamber setting, the artistry here is just as excellent as the vision, and the diverse backgrounds of the musicians (South Africa to Colorado) ensure a memorable experience.

Travels well with: Glass Farm Ensemble- Nieuw Amsterdam New York; Robert Carl- Infinity Avenue

Kate Soper

The Romance Of The Rose

New Focus, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Romance Of The Rose

The multi-talented Kate Soper presents the world premiere recording of her The Romance Of The Rose opera, where the Wet Ink Ensemble are in attendance for the two acts that surround how love, sex and music wear away at our sense of self.

“Act I: Prologue Part I” opens the listen with Lucas Steele’s tenor alongside plucked and agile strings in the singing versus dialogue, and it isn’t long until “Act I: The Garden” offers much beauty from the dreamy strings and Devony Smith’s soaring mezzo-soprano.

Deeper still, the warm vibes of “Act I: Reason vs. Love I” uses Soper’s flawless soprano amid the gentle winds, while “Act I: Act I Epilogue” exits the first half and benefits much from Anna Schubert’s soprano and the rich and emotive instrumentation.

“Act II: Round Two” starts the back half and wastes little time drawing us into the storyline via Ty Boque’s baritone, and further still the harmonizing voices of “Act II: Lady Reason’s Collapsing Sestina” blends the gorgeous pipes with radiant percussion and gripping strings. “Act II: Epilogue II” exits, and includes dialogue to tie the story together in thought provoking, heartfelt ways.

An accomplished body of work that carries a dreamy demeanor during the pursuit of love, there’s even some humor involved and the well timed Wet Ink Ensemble’s bouts won’t go unappreciated, either. The release also come with excellent packaging; the 2 discs are housed in a Special Edition Book that only enhances the experience.

Travels well with: Richard Carr- lanterne; Kate Soper- The Hunt

Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra

Or

Bju, 2024

9/10

Listen to Or

An artist with many talents, Tracy Yang is aligned with many musicians for a listen that’s full of intellectual and emotional depth via the 8 really involved pieces.

“Or (Operating Room)” starts the listen with Martha Kato’s fluid piano that complements Jim O’Connor’s animated trumpet, and “Scene Taiwan Collection” follows with 2 movements that involve Sebastian Noelle’s meticulous guitar and Ben Kono’s tenor sax prowess for the rich delivery.

The middle belongs to the dense “Melting Arctic”, where David Smith’s trumpet and Dave Pietro’s alto sax suit the ominous versus harmonic ideas, while “A Step To My Dream” is a brighter moment that benefits much from Mike Fahie’s soulful trombone and much melody.

The last selection, “MMXXI”, unfolds across 3 segments that swing and shake with an infectious energy via Alan Ferber’s trombone and Erena Terakubo’s alto sax versatility.

Originally from Taiwan, Yang left her country and studying of medicine behind. The songs here soundtrack her dreams, experiences and journeys in New York City, as she carves out a unique places for herself in the modern jazz world.

Travels well with: Yes! Trio- Springs Sings; The Neal Birkwood Big Band- Night City

Jan Järvlepp

Flights Of Fancy

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Flights Of Fancy

The always impressive composer Jan Järvlepp draws from European and American musical traditions here, where rock, jazz, orchestral, chamber and classical ideas are appreciated.

“Pierrot Solaire” starts the listen with Parvaneh Eshghi’s lively piano and Sara Louise Seck’s dreamy flute that complements the animated climate, and “Saxophone Quartet” follows with Jean-Guy Brault, Noël Samyn, René Lavoie and Peter Smith contributing their inimitable sax talents to a jazz fueled delivery.

Entering the middle, “Trio No. 2” benefits much from Pascale Margely’s piccolo, Kevin James’ viola and Jan Järvlepp’s cello for the swirling melodies and adventurous spirit, while “Tarantella” is quite dizzying via Mark Friedman’s flowing electric violin and Järvlepp’s dense electric guitar.

The final piece, “Overture”, is quite intimate, where Jean-Guy Brault’s flute and Angela Casagrande’s oboe displays a soothing, meditative demeanor.

A fascinating listen where each track brings new surprises, Järvlepp’s vision is represented with both creativity and timelessness from the outstanding cast.

Travels well with: Jan Järvlepp- High Voltage Chamber Music; Jan Järvlepp- Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen

Michael G. Cunningham

Proscenium Moments

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Proscenium Moments

The composer Michael G. Cunningham is aligned with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra and Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava for these 7 involved pieces that revolve around the mid-to-late 20th Century.

“Counter Currents, Op. 16b” starts the listen with the flowing and tense strings that can retreat to calm moments, too, and “Time Frame, Op. 90a” follows with the well timed keys adding a hint of mystery to a cinematic and unpredictable landscape.

Approaching the middle, “TransActions, Op. 90b” emits meticulous strings and firm brass, while “Symphony No. 7, Op. 293” unfolds across 4 chapters that are haunting, key focused and rumbling with intrigue.

The final piece, the soothing and pretty “Nocturne No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 63 (Arr. M.G. Cunningham for Orchestra)”, then weaves the winds in and out of much beauty and grace.

An academic and author, too, Cunningham’s vision embraces conflict, power and spontaneity that is well preserved here.

Travels well with: Gruca White Ensemble- A Different Take; Wagner- Tristan und Isolde

Contemporary Colours

New Music By Maltese Composers

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to New Music By Maltese Composers

The Conductor Sergey Smbatyan guides the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra through these involved and timeless compositions by Maltese composers.

“3 Pieces”, by Euchar Gravina, starts with soft, elegant instrumentation, where the rich, cautious moments build into dense bouts as well as retreating to calm gestures, and “Waiting”, by Mariella Cassar-Cordina, follows with the animated strings emitting both intensity and wonder.

Moving into the middle, Christopher Muscat’s “Mesogeios” moves strategically, where thick percussion segues into Eastern ideas, while “Fine Line” swirls with a charming dreaminess via the Véronique Vella piece.

Close to the end, “A Valletta Symphon”, the best selection, unfolds across 5 chapters of light winds and gorgeous strings that tug on the heartstrings.

An endeavor that recruits pre-recorded elements, traditional instruments, and contemporary sounds, each moment here is meticulously delivered and will be globally enjoyed.

Travels well with: Renaissance Men- A Very Renmen Christmas Live!; Wagner- Tristan und Isolde

Sarah Frisof & Daniel Pesca

Beauty Crying Forth

Furious Artisans, 2020

8/10

Listen to Beauty Crying Forth

The flutist Sarah Frisof and pianist Daniel Pesca come together for these compositions that cover one and half centuries for flute by female composer, where the cello from Hannah Collins is present, too.

“Alma”, by Tania Leon, starts the listen with Frisof’s lively flute that suits Pesca’s dancing keys, and “Three Romances”, by Clara Schumann, follows with an indeed romantic spirit via the lovely key progressions and dreamy flute.

“Nocturne” lands in the middle and pairs the cozy flute with mature piano for the gentle album highlight thanks to Lili Boulander’s vision, while “Cendres”, by Kaija Saariaho, welcomes Collins’ cello for the rumbling and cinematic qualities that are mysterious and atypical.

The last piece, Shulamit Ran’s “Birds Of Paradise”, maintains a distinct personality, where the flute can mimic bird noises amid the dizzying key acrobatics.

Frisof and Pesca certainly do justice to these pieces and illuminate the visions of often overlooked composers, and it makes for an expressive and enlightening journey.

Travels well with: Mari Kawamura- Ma: Space Between; Icarus Quartet- Big Things

Jovica Ivanović

Piazzollo & Galliano Concertos

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen Piazzollo & Galliano Concertos

The globally revered Serbian-Austrian classical accordionist Jovica Ivanović presents concertos from Astor Piazzolla and Richard Galliano, where the Ukranian Chamber Orchestra are along for the meticulous pieces.

“Aconcagua”, by Piazzolla, starts the listen with Ivanović’s bright accordion that suits the orchestra’s bright strings and keys that are both animated and cultured. Further into the 3 segments, the setting turns bare with just the moody accordion, before the powerful and triumphant finish.

Galliano’s “Opale Concerto” finishes the listen with textured strings and atmospheric accordion bouts, as the middle chapter carries a near carnival-esque moment of minimalism that extends to the dramatic yet exploratory finish.

An effort that is both sensitive and daring, there’s plenty of classical spirit to be absorbed across the Balkan, nostalgic Parisian, and American influences.

Travels well with: Wagner- Tristan und Isolde; Lee Hinkle- Modern American Percussion Concerti

Yoko Hirota

Small Is Beautiful

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Small Is Beautiful

The pianist Yoko Hirota assembles 30+ short pieces that were originally recorded in 2009, but live here again in a remastered edition that showcases the vision of many different composers.

Arnold Schönberg’s “6 kleine Klavierstücke, Op. 19” opens the listen with Hirota’s reserved and cozy playing that’s tinted with mystery, and “8 Piano Pieces, Op. 110”, by Ernst Krenek, follows with meticulous and bright progressions that emit much skill and mood.

Much further along, Elliott Carter’s “90+” is quite unpredictable and exciting in its playful nature, while “Canon Stride” continues that frisky attention with swift and dynamic keys in the John Weinzweig original.

Approaching the end, Gary Kulesha’s “2 Pieces for Piano” is an intimate moment via the lower register and distinct beauty, and “Tanze vor Angst”, by Robert Lemay, exits with ambience and exploration that’s atypical and memorable.

The selections included range from 31 seconds and six-and-a-half minutes, and Hirota brings a wealth of experience and education to a body of work that anyone with an ear for the piano will admire.

Travels well with: Drift- Society Of Composers, Inc. Volume 34; The Society of Composers, Inc.- Transition & Apotheosis

Gruca White Ensemble

A Different Take

Big Round, 2020

8/10

Listen to A Different Take

Robert Gruca’s classical guitar and Linda White’s concert, alto and bass flutes populate these 13 cultured tracks that make up a very distinct debut album.

The bright presence of Stephen Gross’ “From Honey To Ashes” starts the listen with White’s lively flute and the melodic guitar drawing us in, and Carl Dimow’s “Dreams Of Yesterday And Tomorrow” follows with an intimate moment that uses the lower register of the flute in emotive ways before the fluid guitar enters.

Into the middle, “Use Me”, by Bill Withers, is an upbeat moment that flows with playfulness, while Alan Thomas’ “The Shepherd’s Dream” is a calming moment of sublime beauty where the duo’s precise interactions and warmth won’t go unnoticed.

Arriving near the end, Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” is a frisky album highlight that reimagines the tune with much intrigue, and “Black Magic Woman”, by Peter Green, employs rich guitar progressions with well timed flute prowess.

The pair mesh classical, world and rock ideas across the varied moments touch on grooves, traditional Japanese, African and Balkan music with much dynamicism.

Travels well with: Jordan VanHemert Quintet- I Am Not A Virus; Elaine Freeman- La Speranza

Richard Carrick

lanterne

New Focus, 2020

8/10

Listen to lanterne

The composer Richard Carrick pens an album that involves compact spaces and was impacted by Covid guidelines, where a handful of musicians are in attendance for the rich chamber experience.

“La touche sonora sous l’eau” starts the listen with Marilyn Nonken’s skilled and diverse keys both mesmerizing and impressing us, and “Phosphéne” follows with a violin duo, where Pauline Kim and Conrad Harris manipulate their strings with intrigue and precision.

Further along, the title track allows Margaret Lancaster’s manipulated flute to show us a dimension to the instrument that’s unorthodox, while “Danga” hosts John Popham’s animated cello and Carrick’s mature piano for the lively and meticulous album highlight.

Close to the end, “sandstone(s)” meshes the New York New Music Ensemble and musicians of the Gugak Contemporary Orchestra for a particularly ambient and atypical climate, and “Space:Time” exits with the Mivos Quartet present for the indeed sci-fi friendly string interaction.

An exciting body of work where each piece carries its own unique presence, from bare to busy moments, the wealth of Carrick’s vision is represented splendidly.

Travels well with: Eric Huebner- Désordre; Louis Karchin- Dark Mountains/Distant Lights

Eric Huebner

Désordre

New Focus, 2020

9/10

Listen to Désordre

The pianist Eric Huebner brings his tremendous skills to these 3 involved selections that welcome Yuki Numata Resnick and Adam Unsworth.

The 6 segments of “Études pour piano Livre I” begins the listen with the dazzling and animated key progressions that are as fascinating as they are detailed, and this level of prowess follows to the initially calmer “Livre II”. Unfolding across 8 movements, the unpredictable climate rumbles with intensity and also emits intimate gestures.

The final selection, “Trio For Violin, Horn and Piano”, finishes and blends the stirring strings from Resnick with Unsworth’s atmospheric horn, which complements Huebner’s often tense keys.

An accomplished affair that embraces strong harmony, Central European folk nods and non-Western strategies, Huebner illuminates the work of György Ligeti with grace and playfulness.

Travels well with: Jacqueline Leclair- Music For English Horn Alone; Louis Karchin- Dark Mountains/Distant Lights

Jacqueline Leclair

Music For English Horn Alone

New Focus, 2020

8/10

Listen to Music For English Horn Alone

The exceptional oboist Jacqueline Leclair treats us to 7 works by 7 composers, where a double reed listen showcases technical and diverse musicianship.

Meera Gudipati’s “Ashakiran ‘Ray Of Hope’” starts the listen with the elegant and warm wind making for a graceful opener, and “Joe”, by Hannah Kendall, follows with both mournful and exciting gestures that draw us in immediately.

Arriving in the middle are “Layered Lament” and “In The City At Night”. The former, by Faye-Ellen Silverman, emits a haunting mood that’s also highly articulate, while the latter, by Jenni Brandon, embraces melody and groove for the album’s best selection.

Close to the end, “Synopsis #10: I Know This Room So Well” floats with a dreamy demeanor via Lisa Bielawa’s vision, and the effort exits with Cecilia Arditto’s “Música Invisible”, where vocalizations and utterances alongside percussive nods add another dimension to the unique record.

An eclectic effort that touches on Hindustani Indian classical music, photographic portraits and literary references, each track here is engaging, unique and illustrates many angles of the English horn.

Travels well with: Louis Karchin- Dark Mountains/Distant Lights; counter)induction- Against Method

Louis Karchin

Dark Mountains/Distant Lights

New Focus, 2019

9/10

Listen to Dark Mountains/Distant Lights

The inimitable composer Louis Karchin injects aspects of poetry, the visual arts and the natural world into these 7 diverse and rich selections via Miranda Cuckson, Steven Beck and Jacqueline Leclair’s refined skills.

“Dreamscape”, by Stéphane Mallarmé, opens the listen with the curious oboe and animated violin the presents much color, and “Rhapsody” follows with the tense violin and adventurous keys emitting both mysteriousness and tension.

“Three Epigrams” arrives in the middle, and is a solo piano outing that showcases Beck’s finger acrobatics via rumbling, minimal and firm gestures, while “Lyrics II” continues the solo piano delivery with much intimacy and poeticism.

“Prayer” and “Reflection” are the final 2 pieces. The former allows for Cuckson’s eloquent and gripping violin to shine, and the latter aligns Leclair’s emotive oboe with the quivering strings of the album’s best.

A thoughtful body of work that’s introspective, abstract and often presents contrasting outlooks, the 3 players show complete mastery of their instruments to illuminate Karchin’s distinct vision.

Travels well with: counter)induction- Against Method; Kate Soper- The Hunt

Diana Golden/Shawn Chang

Tanbou Kache

New Focus, 2020

8/10

Listen to Tanbou Kache

The cellist Diana Golden illuminates the works of Haitian artists, where Shawn Chang’s meticulous keys are along for the 7 diverse pieces.

“Légende créole” begins with Golden’s mature cello and Chang’s emotive keys making for much grace and beauty, and “Petite Suite” follows with 4 movements that allow for Golden’s agile strings to mesmerize us.

Moving into the middle, “Suite haïtienne” meshes the fluid keys with poetic cello prowess that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Duo Sentimental” is a lovely duet of sublime song craft that’s intimate and impactful.

Close to the end, “One Loss Plus: Femiel” presents both playful strings and subtle keys, and “Brother Malcolm” exits with a distinct dreaminess of longing strings and twinkling keys.

Some of the composers included are Frantz Casséus, Justin Élie, and Daniel Bernard Roumain, as Golden and Chang bring some much deserved attention to the often overlooked sounds of Haiti.

Travels well with: counter)induction- Against Method; Lainie Fefferman- Here I Am

Drift

Society Of Composers, Inc. Volume 34

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Society Of Composers, Inc. Volume 34

The 10th album from the Drift series, we’re treated to the works of 10 artists, where a wealth of talent and diversity spreads out with much intrigue.

The animated “Falling Stars” starts the listen with the Ball State University Wind Ensemble’s exciting and unpredictable ideas, and “Chimera” follows with Alex Sopp’s flute and Alicia Lee’s clarinet adding much to the swirling display of the NOW Ensemble’s meticulous execution.

Halfway through, Maria Sampen’s violin and Alistair MacRae’s cello complement Tanya Stambuk’s piano for a moody and gripping climate across “Dark Blessing”, while “Cards” is an electroacoustic composition that uses voices like an instrument, flirts with found object sounds and plenty of minimalism.

Landing near the end, “The Ugly Duckling” allows Elizabeth Pridgen’s charming piano to mesmerize us, and “Hungry” exits with a blending of Elena Hensel’s voice and Bianca Pokrzywa’s guitar for a highly ambient and oddly dreamy finish.

The wide variety of composers and instruments present makes each track here unique in its own space, which has been an important component to this long running series.

Travels well with: Society Of Composers, Inc.- Transition & Apotheosis; Richard Crosby- By The Waters Of Memory

Renaissance Men

A Very Renmen Christmas Live!

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to A Very Renmen Christmas

The Renaissance Men bring their tenor, baritone, and bass voices to these traditional hymns and holiday classics.

“Some Children See Him” starts the listen with sublime, emotive vocals that welcome a gripping solo from Corey Dalton Hart, and “Cantate Domino” follows with the bright, animated singing that emits much beauty.

Further along, “O Magnum Mysterium” blends the powerful delivery with a tender and heartfelt demeanor, while “Snowfall” places Eric Christopher Perry on percussion, Will Prapestis on bass, Brian Church on guitar and Anthony Burkes Garza on vocals, along with the aforementioned, for a very cozy album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” is a playful and charming moment of meticulous harmonizing, and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” allows Benjamin Pfeil’s distinct voice to guide the comforting standard.

A diverse affair that touches on Latin ideas, religious undertones and a timeless choral appeal, each track here can be enjoyed all year.

Travels well with: The Crossing- Born; Peter Dayton- Stories Out Of Cherry Stems

Alwanzatar

Heisfyr Terminal Ekspress

Apollon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Heisfyr Terminal Ekspress

A one man band from Oslo, on this 3rd album Alwanzatar (Krizla from Norway heroes Tusmorke) utilizes six pieces of synth music with flutes, drum machines and plenty of tape echo for a psyche-filled and dreamy adventure that few could replicate.

“Laserkanondiplomati” gets the listen off to a quirky start with futuristic dance rock that’s cosmic, abrasive and full of sound manipulation and fleeting processed vocals, and “Over Lavadekkede Sletter” follows with an eerie, mysterious setting where vibrant flute and a frenetic pace seems like the tune could soundtrack an action movie on a distant planet.

The back half offers us “Sa Trist Som Du Gior Meg Na”, which is 10 minutes of video game-esque noises alongside soaring flutes, thereby presenting a charming meshing of organic, New Age stylings versus sci-fi meandering, and “Syre Base”, which is cinematic genius as eerie soundscapes are both surreal and exploratory.

“Heros” ends the listen with a hypnotic and melodic approach that recruits folk ideas into the meticulous, synth fueled fun.

Krizla plays all the instruments here and does so with incredible precision and an adventurousness that will resonate with fans of ‘70s prog-rock, as well as those who fancy unconventional and imaginative music.

Travels well with: Sandra Kolstad- Zero Gravity State Of Mind; Panzerpappa- Summarisk Suite