Over The Ridge
Neuma, 2021
8/10
The composer and violinist Richard Carr did something during the downtime of 2020 that he hadn’t done in decades- he wrote notes on paper. After many years of improvised work, Carr offers us a dozen pieces (eight written, 4 improvised) that reel in Caleb Burhans (viola), Laura Lutzke (violin), and Clarice Jensen (cello) for the experimental and chamber, orchestral and classical moments.
“Processional” starts the listen with strong attention to mood as the strings are plucked and bowed with much grace and skill in the stirring climate, and “Narrow Traverse” follows with a more dense display that mesmerizes with its pulsating quality as spontaneity enters the listen.
Deeper into the record, the meticulous string work of “Terrace Dancing” dances around plenty of frisky melodies, while “Celestial Navigation” finds itself blurring the bounds of beauty with a classical angle. “Fulton Avenue Bus”, the album standout, then blends both hazy restraint and playful manipulation with a cinematic approach.
“Over The Ridge” resides near the end and showcases incredible interaction, especially with the cello, and “Westside Docks” exits the listen again with charming improvisation as Carr’s violin prowess adds much tonality to the textured finish.
The meshing of both improvised and written music makes this a particularly exciting listen, and Carr’s creative vision hasn’t appeared to wane after four decades of being a musician. For those with an ear for the strings, Over The Ridge offers plenty of unpredictable and memorable song craft.
Travels well with: Harry Partch- The Bewitched; Juraj Kojs- Imagine