Far Sight Sun Light
Albany, 2023
8/10
A listen that draws inspiration from East European folk sources like an Anatolian Turkish folk song and Bartok's transcriptions of Rumanian folk tunes, the songwriter, educator and pianist Ketty Nez brings along several musicians and a quartet for these chamber fueled songs.
“far sight sun light” opens the listen with Matthew Lee’s very elegant flute and Thatcher Harrison’s warm guitar making for much beauty in the poetic climate, and “climbing: free fall” employs Nes’ dancing keys and Robyn Julyan’s playful violin for a very upbeat and exciting delivery.
On the backside, “sketches” flows across 4 movements that pair Sarah Brady’s dreamy flute with Aija Reke’s meticulous violin that emits much beauty and adventurousness. The final piece, “keep a secret”, then benefits from Sarah Whitnah and Robyn Julyan’s violins, Stephanie Mientka’s viola and David Short’s cello for the classical leanings that quiver with mystery and pluck with charm for a rich and cautious finish.
A listen that puts a very unique spin on nostalgic folk sounds, Nez and company make the most out of the well thought out and rich compositions that will resonate worldwide.
Travels well with: Matthew Weissman- Frederic Rzewski: 4 Pieces, Squares, 6 North American Ballads; Steven Gerber- String Quartets