Metamorphosis
Redshift, 2023
9/10
Julia Nolan, Kris Covlin, David Branter and Colin MacDonald, i.e. the Saxophilia Saxophone Quartet, bring their inimitable playing to these 5 involved pieces that borrow from their classical and fusion friendly vision.
The very playful and animated title track opens the listen, where the quartet honor the composer Fred Stride’s harmonic gestures with much skill, and Violet Archer’s “Divertimento” follows with plenty of contrast entering the firm versus light interaction.
The cinematic bouts of “Nightmare Fragments” lands in the middle, and has the brass channeling the imagery of the Beatrice Ferreira composition with much precision, while Rodney Sharman’s “Homage To Robert Schuman” pays close attention to pitch via the striking mood and hazy playing.
“Four Stories”, by Branter, then exits with a very energetic appeal that segues into cautious textures of the rich and dynamic finish.
All 4 players bring impressive resumes with them, and their collective strength makes for a modern, experimental and unclassifiable peek at stunning creativity.
Travels well with: Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself; Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir