Then Elephant Speaks
Ravello, 2019
8/10
Listen to Then Elephant Speaks
Bill Whitley doesn’t strike me as one to turn away from telling a story in song, and here he does with both acoustic and electric instruments with plenty of power, melody and including some very adventurous remixes.
The title track starts the listen with elegant keys before playful guitars and harps turn the setting a bit more tense, and the same song as a remix by Shaun Michaud shows up later with a chilling, mysterious approach that abruptly bursts into a dizzying display of electro-classical fun.
There are 3 versions of “The Circles” included, too. Version For Piano & Electronics is certainly more key focused, while electronics help punctuate the sophisticated mood, and Version For Piano & Electronics Shaun Michaud Mix gets highly experimental with ambient manipulation of sounds that’s both dramatic and hypnotic.
Version For Solo Piano ends the listen with Whitley’s proficient keys in an engaging, melodic exit, where the lone instrument leaves an indelible mark.
An extremely educated musician, Whitley has been making music since his early teens. Then Elephant Speaks shows us a glimpse of his vision and interesting interpretations of his work, resulting in a compelling, unique listen of much grace.
Travels well with: Lachlan Skipworth- Lachlan Skipworth; Patterns- Chamber Works