Category Archives: Modern Composition
Kronos Quartet & Mary Kouyoumdjian ~ WITNESS
We last encountered Mary Kouyoumdjian with 2 Suitcases, which told the story of a couple fleeing the Lebanese Civil War. The subject is greatly expanded on WITNESS, which pairs the composer with Kronos Quartet. We consider this a major work: startlingly relevant, meticulously researched
Kronos Quartet & Mary Kouyoumdjian ~ WITNESS
We last encountered Mary Kouyoumdjian with 2 Suitcases, which told the story of a couple fleeing the Lebanese Civil War. The subject is greatly expanded on WITNESS, which pairs the composer with Kronos Quartet. We consider this a major work: startlingly relevant, meticulously researched
Lara Somogyi + Jean-Michel Blais ~ Désert
Désert was born in Joshua Tree, California as a series of improvisations between harpist Lara Somogyi and pianist-composer Jean-Michel Blais. Personifying the cover photo, the album reminds listeners that there is life in the desert, springing from the hardscrabble ground.
Lara Somogyi + Jean-Michel Blais ~ Désert
Désert was born in Joshua Tree, California as a series of improvisations between harpist Lara Somogyi and pianist-composer Jean-Michel Blais. Personifying the cover photo, the album reminds listeners that there is life in the desert, springing from the hardscrabble ground.
Gabríel Ólafs ~ Polar / Polar: Traveler’s Log
There are two distinct ways to experience the world of Gabríel Ólafs‘ Polar. One may enjoy the album as an instrumental suite, or as a narrated journey. Each offers its own unique pleasures. While the title gives the impression that the
Gabríel Ólafs ~ Polar / Polar: Traveler’s Log
There are two distinct ways to experience the world of Gabríel Ólafs‘ Polar. One may enjoy the album as an instrumental suite, or as a narrated journey. Each offers its own unique pleasures. While the title gives the impression that the
Guy Buttery ~ Orchestrations
It would be difficult to choose the most appealing aspect of Guy Buttery‘s Orchestrations. Is it the fact that a tree is planted for every purchase? Is it the international flavor of the 17 collaborators, who hail from ten different countries?
Guy Buttery ~ Orchestrations
It would be difficult to choose the most appealing aspect of Guy Buttery‘s Orchestrations. Is it the fact that a tree is planted for every purchase? Is it the international flavor of the 17 collaborators, who hail from ten different countries?
As Many As Possible ~ The Stars
The release of The Stars gives us the opportunity to listen to the four-EP discography of John Anthony McDowell, who records as As Many As Possible and now has enough tracks to equal an album. The artist has been making great
As Many As Possible ~ The Stars
The release of The Stars gives us the opportunity to listen to the four-EP discography of John Anthony McDowell, who records as As Many As Possible and now has enough tracks to equal an album. The artist has been making great
Patricio Fraile ~ My Eternal Summer (OST)
What seems on the surface to be a wistful coming of age story about a teenaged girl on summer vacation turns out to far more resonant when the full plot is revealed. Fanny’s mother is terminally ill, and this will
Patricio Fraile ~ My Eternal Summer (OST)
What seems on the surface to be a wistful coming of age story about a teenaged girl on summer vacation turns out to far more resonant when the full plot is revealed. Fanny’s mother is terminally ill, and this will
Rauelsson ~ Niu
Given our penchant for referring to Sonic Pieces releases by color, we were happy when label owner Monique Recknagel expressed curiosity about what we might call the hue of Niu. We must admit that it has stymied us, as the
Rauelsson ~ Niu
Given our penchant for referring to Sonic Pieces releases by color, we were happy when label owner Monique Recknagel expressed curiosity about what we might call the hue of Niu. We must admit that it has stymied us, as the
Evgeny Grinko ~ Winter Moonlight
Today is midwinter, equally balanced between autumn and spring. Winter Moonlight is a perfect accompaniment to cold, crisp winter nights under a full moon with a cover of newly-fallen snow. On this release, Evgeny Grinko circles all the way back to his
Evgeny Grinko ~ Winter Moonlight
Today is midwinter, equally balanced between autumn and spring. Winter Moonlight is a perfect accompaniment to cold, crisp winter nights under a full moon with a cover of newly-fallen snow. On this release, Evgeny Grinko circles all the way back to his
a closer listen 