Late Night Banter
Neuma, 2023
8/10
The composer, guitarist and educator Aaron Jay Myers is no stranger to diverse music, and here he meshes classical, jazz, metal and free improvisation into this highly atypical and exciting listen.
“Save One Life, You Save The World Entire” leads with the NorthStar Duo’s flute and baritone saxophone interacting with unpredictable rhythm and cautious harmonies, and the title track follows with a busy display of winds, brass, and drumming that makes for a very cinematic version of chamber rock.
“You Got On My Nerves And I Don’t Like Your Hat” lands in the middle, and showcases Helen Hassinger’s soprano, Emily Harmon’s mezzo soprano, Wes Hunter’s tenor and Brian Church’s baritone, as the four solo voices harmonize and soar both together and individually. “Lichens II” then unfolds across 8 chapters of timbre and textured ideas that allow for Stephanie Lamprea’s soprano to make for standard singing versus guttural gestures.
The last track, “Perception Stains Reality”, finds itself in more rock focused areas, where Myers’ meticulous electric guitar and Aaron Trant’s fluid drumming radiate warmth and firmness.
Proof of Myers’ eclectic nature is found in his hardcore band, Niffin and avant-metal outfit, Kraanerg. This body of work is more closely related to classical and chamber sensibilities, and from beginning to end it elicits a versatile and imaginative listening experience.
Travels well with: John Cage- Sonatas & Interludes; William Duckworth- The Time Curve Preludes