Opalescent
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The Grammy Award winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet return with a 14th album, where John Dearman, Matthew Greif, William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant again prove just why they’re one of the most impressive guitar ensembles to date.
Andrew York’s “Hidden Realm Of Light” starts the listen with warm tones spread out over call and response textures as the guitars dance around the African nods, and “Alki Point” follows with no lack of rhythm or plenty of jazz gestures in the Kevin Callahan composition.
In the middle, “Opals”, by Phillip Houghton, unfolds in 3 parts that explore colorful tone and timbre with the four guitars meshing with much beauty, while Robert Beaser’s “Chaconne” glides with a stirring intimacy alongside harmonic progressions.
“Suite Transcendent” lands near the end, and showcases French and English impressionism that carries a distinct character thanks to Tiffany Hoppstock’s vision, and “Wave Radiance” exits the listen on a second Houghton piece, where strong attention to notes and arpeggios and bare texture and harmony make for the album’s best selection.
A listen that truly illuminates each composers’ distinct vision, LAGQ celebrate 40 years as a touring ensemble with Opalescent, and it also serves as a tribute to Houghton, who passed away in 2017, and whose memory they keep alive thanks to their inimitable approach to music.
Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Affinity; Palaver Strings- Ready Or Not