Beyond the Windows Perhaps Among the Podcorn
Jessica Catron/cello, Elizabeth Schenck/saxophones, Sara Schoenbeck/bassoon, Tara Tavi/voice, Kris Tiner/trumpet, Mia Doi Todd/voice
Transparency Records
Upfront confession: I had no expectations from this album whatsoever, and had a preconceived notion that I wouldn’t like it. I have to say that from moment one, this album blew me away. The piece is nearly an hour long and consists of sustained tones in just intonation by winds, voice and cello. While the piece owes a lot to La Monte Young, of course, there are no prolonged silences (at least none that I could detect). Even more amazing is the fact that other than the cello, all of the instruments require breathing (including the voices), yet the tones are sustained for very prolonged periods. I’ve read something that suggests some overdubbing was done, but even so, this is quite a performance feat.
If you hate postminimalist music in just intonation, this album isn’t for you—go back to something safe. But if this stuff is as much your taste as it is mine, then this is a great CD to listen to. My only complaint about this album is the absolute lack of liner notes—the only reason I know anything about the composer is through the Web. I’d like to hear more of Kraig Grady’s music, and suspect many others will as well once they hear this album.
Entries (RSS)
For those who don’t know, here is Kraig’s web site: http://anaphoria.com/