Burned Into The Orange
New Focus, 2021
8/10
Listen to Burned Into The Orange
The always impressive composer Peter Gilbert returns with a follow up to his 2008 release, The Bold Arch of Undreamt Bridges, and this time he’s got performances from the Arditti Quartet, Jeremias Schwarzer, Michael Velt and many others on the rich, textured and highly unpredictable 9 tracks.
“the voice opens wide to forget that which you are singing” starts the listen with atmospheric and often tense violins from Irvine Arditti and Ashot Sarkissjan, as Ralf Ehlers contributes strategic viola alongside quivering cello from Lucas Fels.
Elsewhere, the moody brass of the title track benefits from 4 saxophones as Paul Nolen’s soprano, Marcos Colon’s alto, Paul Forsyth’s tenor and Eric Lau’s baritone work together amid a warm and cinematic quality.
Of the shorter tracks, “Passage: Orange into Silver” channels a sci-fi feeling with mystery entering a darker approach thanks to the electronic exploration, while “Channeling the Waters” recruits a jarring delivery of flutes from Camilla Hoitenga and lively percussion from Magdalena Meitzner as they explore timbral innovation.
Near the end, “By The Lonely Traveller’s Call” puts Richard White’s tuba skills on display where the instrument is manipulated in unconventional ways, and “Soon as the Sun Forsook the Eastern Main” exits the listen with Emanuele Arciuli holding down piano as electronic media enters the dreamy, abstract finish.
Known for his artistic presence in the areas of acoustic and electronic sounds, Gilbert again provides a fascinating listening experience where his inestimable vision bridges the gap between organic and ambient instrumentation in ways that few others would dare to venture.
Travels well with: Curtis K. Hughes- Tulpa; Douglas Boyce- The Hunt By Night