I’Algérie
New Focus, 2026
9/10
The pianist and composer Richard Carrick presents 9 diverse pieces that embrace extended techniques and structured improvisation that recruits the Either/Or ensemble.
“Mémorial” opens the listen with a distinct droning, where John Popham’s cello is used strategically, and “Ain Bessem” follows with Bahar Badieitabar’s precise oud adding much culture to the harmonic landscape.
Halfway through, “Interlude” focuses much on space and tension in its unpredictable demeanor, while “La Reine” enlists Carrick’s mesmerizing piano and Justin Jay Hines’ frisky percussion that work together with an atypical energy.
Residing close to the end, “Gnawa Loops” radiates animated keys, upbeat strings and crisp percussion via the rock focused moment, and “Traverser” exits with a cinematic appeal that enlists Jennifer Choi’s detailed violin, which helps create a haunting mood.
The songs reflect an imagined journey through Algeria, and ideas from chamber, jazz and world music populate the avant-garde experience that’s never short on texture or timbral exploration.
Travels well with: Jonathan Bagg- Viola Revival; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn