Recesses
New Focus, 2023
9/10
The composer Lee Weisert returns with a sophomore album on the New Focus label, where his electroacoustic and electronic pieces welcomes strings, keys, guitars and vocals to the 4 involved compositions.
“Recesses I: Part 1” opens the listen with much warmth and mystery, where Weiser’s chilling electronics, guitar and piano are met with Nicholas DiEugenion’s subtle, stirring violin, and “Recesses I: Part 2” follows with Melissa Martin’s wordless vocals and Matthew McClure’s well timed sax adding much dreaminess to the soothing landscape.
The back half includes the manipulated modular synth from Allen Anderson and haunting electronics of “Recesses II”, while “Similar Speeds” exits with Weisert’s electronics making hypnotic percussive noises that draw the listener in with its abstract appeal.
Also a professor in the music department at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Weisert’s ability to blend orchestral ideas, found sounds, field recordings and digital and analog moments makes for another unclassifiable and enjoyable illustration of creativity.
Travels well with: Olivia De Prato- Panorama; Reiko Füting- Mechthild