Root Progressions
Biophilia, 2025
9/10
The Grammy and Emmy award winning pianist Gloria Cheng commissioned 6 composers in the area of improvised music for this project, and it makes for an unpredictable, contemporary classical listen.
Anthony Davis’ “Piano Heaven” begins with the animated climate emitting adventurousness amid a unique rhythm, and Jon Lang’s “Ancestors & Sisters” follows with a cautious approach, where lower registers and bouts of dreaminess unfold.
In the middle, the busy “Mis Guerreros (The Mystic Secret)” mesmerizes us with its lively progressions and flowing, melodic song craft in the Arturo O’Farrill piece, while Gernot Wolfgang’s “Two Movements” is strong on ambience and space via a mysterious execution.
The final track, Linda May Han Oh’s “Littoral Tales”, then rumbles intently but can also retreat to a distinct intimacy.
An acutely colorful and imaginative record, Cheng’s sophisticated and daring performance illuminates the diverse and commanding vision from the esteemed composers.
Travels well with: Guy Barash- Killdeer; Brian Baumbusch- Polytempo Music