Review: This is the second album by Balmorhea for the prestigious classical label Deutsche Grammophon, following their acclaimed 2020 release The Wind. The Austin, Texas duo - composed of Rob Lowe and Michael A. Muller - create cinematic and atmospheric music in a world entirely of its own; a shifting blend of gothic classical, folk, ambient, and post-rock, which rarely feature vocals, and instead thrive on the haunted immersions of the compositions alone. Their new LP Pendant World is a collaborative effort that features contributions from several guest artists and contemporary stars: cellist Clarice Jensen, violinist Hilary Hahn, pianist Nils Frahm, singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez, and electronic producer Rival Consoles. A stunning mesh of sounds, we're not sure where electronic ends and acoustic begins, owing to the album's intended theme of connection, transformation, and evolution.
James Bonde Suite: Goldfinger/James Bond Theme/From Russia With Love/Thunderball/007/You Only Live Twice/On Her Majesty's Secret Service/Diamonds Are Forever (CD1)
Born Free
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland: Curiouser & Curiouser/I've Never Been This Far Before/The Me I Never Knew
Review: Munich-based classical guitarist and composer Jonathan Bockelmann made his mark in 2023 with his debut album Childish Mind. His journey into composition began with arrangements of pieces by Japanese maestro Ryuichi Sakamoto. These arrangements, which have previously been released digitally in three editions, are now available on vinyl for the first time. The record, presented in premium packaging with an embossed art print, showcases Sakamoto's diverse repertoire. It includes both lesser-known works like Suite for Krug and iconic masterpieces such as Bibo No Aozora. This release beautifully celebrates the timeless artistry of Sakamoto as reimagined through Bockelmann's exquisite guitar interpretations.
Review: Newly ordained keyboardist Volodja Brodsky, from Estonia, has described his music as an exploration of the transformative power of minimalism, the art form and compositional approach in which he is trained. Brodsky's second LP lacks the contextual elucidations that accompanied the first record that 2024, but we sense that this may be because the career ball is already rolling, and no further explanations may be needed for now. Raindrops is a precipitous record, as Brodsky wrenches piano and vibraphone motifs from romantic scale meanderings we didn't know possible; widescreen voicings and compound intervals help earmark these standout moments. Elsewhere, the mood is downcast, as on 'Fogbound Streets Of Maardu' or 'Raindrops'; the left hand basso is almost always moody in feel, while the right hand always produces tearful and romantic sound.
Review: This is a real gem of the English jazz revolution - Chitinous by cellist Paul Buckmaster stands tall as an obscure masterpiece. Renowned for his collaborations with legends like Miles Davis and David Bowie, Buckmaster leads a colossal orchestra of 51 players, featuring top English musicians including trumpeter Ian Carr and drummer John Marshall. Recorded in 1970, the album showcases Buckmaster's mastery of the cello and keyboards and is organised into suites where the music seamlessly blends classical, contemporary and jazz influences, offering broad yet evocative compositions. This reissue reminds us of Buckmaster's innovation as well as the era's renowned musical experimentation.
Steve Reich - "Electric Counterpoint I Fast" (4:28)
Steve Reich - "Electric Counterpoint II Slow" (5:37)
Steve Reich - "Electric Counterpoint III Fast" (4:23)
David Chalmin - "Particule" (5) (5:37)
David Chalmin - "Particule" (6) (3:16)
Timo Andres - "Out Of Shape" (3:52)
David Lang - "Ever Present" (5:03)
Anna Thorvaldsdottir - "What Things Become" (6:53)
Philip Glass - "Closing" (5:41)
Review: Formed in 2018, Dream House Quartet has been reshaping the boundaries between classical and contemporary music. The group consists of pianists Katia and Marielle Labeque, both renowned for their versatility across genres, along with Grammy-winning guitarist Bryce Dessner of The National and composer-producer David Chalmin on guitar. Their repertoire spans radical commissions and essential works from the past 50 years. After releasing their self-titled digital EP in 2023, the quartet now unveils their latest project, Sonic Wires, coinciding with a November 2024 tour. The album features pieces by Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Bryce Dessner, Sufjan Stevens and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
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