Count To Five
Innova, 2021
8/10
New Jersey’s Recap consists of Arlene Acevedo, Alexis Carter, Tiahna Sterling and Aline Vazquez, and here they bring compositions from 6 different composers that mesh modern classical music with a strong percussive angle.
The title track starts the listen with unique percussive manipulation that segues into background talking and ambience which flows with both mystery and allure, and “Hammers” follows with Tiahna Sterling’s dreamy flute amid the versatile drumming.
Halfway through “Fear/Release’, by Ellen Reid, recruits a very playful display of percussion that twinkles with bells, while “Hedera” places Lesley Flanigan on vocals in the 20 minutes of dreamy, spiritual song craft that unfolds with a meditative quality.
“Children Of Conflict : ‘Samar’s Song;” lands near the end and showcases Andie Tanning’s stunning violin prowess in the quivering tension, and “Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown” exits the listen with Caroline Shaw’s expressive pipes alongside the cautious strings that emit a very meticulous nature.
Recap also enlist Evelyn Wadkins (cello, vocals), Sara Budde (clarient/vocals), David Friend (piano, vocals) and Joe Bergen (percussion, vocals), and together they make for an exceptional debut with their inimitable spin on classical sounds that we could never tire of.
Travels well with: David Maslanka- The Red Door ; Dave Walther- Distance