Tracing Hollow Traces
New Focus, 2024
9/10
Listen to Tracking Hollow Traces
The diverse composer Andile Khumalo is well versed in both jazz and the sounds of his country, South Africa, and the 11 tracks here welcome the Ensemble Dal Niente, Argento Ensemble and Wet Ink Ensemble, among others.
The highly technical “The Broken Mirrors Of Time” starts the listen with the Argento Ensemble’s bright playing amid Mun-tzung Wong’s adventurous piano via the cinematic landscape, and “Bells Die Out” follows with the Wet Ink Ensemble’s inimitable talents making for mystery and unpredictability.
Moving towards the middle, “Wade Through Water” showcases Cezarre Strydom’s skilled piano alongside Danré Strydom’s moody clarinet, while the title track is a solo clarinet venture thanks to Carol McConnell’s rich wind prowess.
Arriving close to the end, “Cry Out” benefits much from Ammie Brod’s viola, Andrew Nogal’s oboe, Kyle Flens’ marimba and Mabel Kwan’s keys for the album’s best that’s cautious yet nearly sci-fi, and “Beyond Her Mask” exits with Carrie Henneman Shaw’s expressive soprano surrounding the eloquent and dynamic instrumentation courtesy of the Ensemble Dal Niente.
An effort that resides close to his home continent, there’s also plenty of artistic bouts, timbral manipulation and curious implementation of silence that only adds more intrigue.
Travels well with: Metalofonico- Metalofonico; Richard Cameron-Wolfe-Passionate Geometrics