American Dissident
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A Washington D.C. pianist who has been playing since the age of 6, this debut from Michael Noble brings us the 20th century piano music of Margaret Bonds and Frederic Rzewski that’s interpreted in his inimitable vision.
Bonds’ “Troubled Water” open the listen, where Nobel’s meticulous playing and complicated patterns make for a very mesmerizing and melodic 5 minutes of intimacy and exploration.
“The People United Will Never Be Defeated!”, by Rzewski, lands in the middle, and expands across 9 chapters of bare moments, firm bouts, bouncy techniques and even tense bursts, as Noble’s very diverse playing is much appreciated, and “Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues”, also by Rzewski, exits with a low rumbling that builds into an ominous meets energetic appeal.
Noble’s reworking of these protest songs is very detailed, as he uses calming techniques as well as animated dynamics for a highly engaging, unpredictable listen that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Amaro Dubois- Luz; Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled