Cyanotypes
Neuma, 2025
9/10
The percussionist Patti Cudd also handles electronics across 5 selections composed by women, where unparalleled attention to rhythm and texture is present.
The title track, by Elainie Lillios, opens with 5 movements of playful and fascinating vibraphone that take inspiration from the natural photographic process and pairs it with the snare drum’s articulations.
Kerry Hagan’s “This bottle has notions” follows with the sound of a bottle that’s manipulated with electronics to yield a haunting mood, and, later on, by plenty of soundbites, while “Chime”, by Tiffany Skidmore, recruits two snare drums and six crotales to populate the rhythmic template.
Close to the end, Heather Dea Jennings’ “The Meeting Place” enlists cross-cultural dialogue, Brazilian drum traditions, live electronics and inspiration from Yoruba proverbs that are composed in memory of Alvin Lucier, and “Tattoo of a Gesture” exits with 9 movements via the lone bendir drum and a carry-on case that yields much exploration and creativity.
All the selections are world premieres that illuminate Cudd’s dynamic and diverse abilities which embrace traditional and experimental abilities and are textured and colored with incredible detail.
Travels well with: Sara Paar/Marcia Eckert- Wisdom’s Harvest; Sarah Genevieve Burghart Rice- Yet