Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media
Navona, 2024
8/10
Listen to Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media
The saxophone extraordinaire Heidi Radtke makes an impression on this debut album, where tenor, alto and soprano sax are used precisely across the the pieces by 8 living composers.
Jenni Watson’s “Arabesque” opens the listen with the alto sax making for a very inviting delivery amid the rumbling and graceful backdrop, and “Westland”, by Andy Scott, puts emphasis on the tenor sax, which is a bit more sharp in its skilled delivery.
Further along, “Breonna Taylor (How Many More?)” injects the sounds of birds into the soulful alto sax of the Rahsaan Barber track, while Peter Meechan’s “3 Pieces for Solo Saxophone” recruits ambient sounds for the intimate appeal that tugs on the heartstrings.
Closer to the end, Barry Cockcroft’s “Ku Ku” showcases the soprano sax prowess via a complicated, exciting composition that radiates a distinct energy, and Sang Mi Ahn’s “Convergence” exits the listen with tremendous attention to detail thanks to the mesmerizing demeanor and alto sax manipulation.
An unorthodox listen that utilizes laughter and conversation in some of the tracks and plenty of sonic exploration, the sax playing ties the many ideas together in unconventional and exciting ways that touch on the human experience.
Travels well with: Debra Kaye- Time Is The Sea We Swim In; Jeff Sigfried/Sean Friar- Shades