With the help of the Janáček Philharmonic, conducted by Petr Kotik, and the baritone voice of Thomas Buckner, this pair of Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians elders have put together a meditative triptych of finely wrought pieces. The whole is clearly a meeting of master musicians reflecting via the medium of music.
The contemplation begins with "Romu," a duo improvisation of the highest order, between Abrams' wistful piano and Mitchell's understated alto sax that serves as a pensive overture to a thoroughly pensive set. Abrams' piano is subtly impressionistic and Mitchell's dry saxophone tone compliments it as the mood is one of dreamy exoticism. This is followed by two orchestral pieces, "Non-Cognitive Aspects of the City" and "Mergertone," in which the aforementioned guests appear, and in which this same mood is developed. The orchestra takes up the music of the duo in the beautiful acoustic setting of Philharmonic Hall in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The writing for the orchestra by Mitchell in the three-part "Non-Cognitive Aspects of the City" is full of meaningful detail, and it comes across as a skilled piece of work, making concise use of the orchestral palette, from flutes in the opening moments, trumpets in more declarative passages and full string ripienos expressing a sustained mood of delicate sensuality. At the center of this three-part piece is a poem by fellow AACM horn man Joseph Jarman, intoned by the rich baritone of Thomas Buckner.
Equally adept at orchestration, Abrams has penned a lush tone poem with "Mergertone," which echoes varied orchestral styles, from the luminosity of Debussy, the ponderous declarations of Bruckner, and the airy dancing motifs of Stravinsky, including some electronic and musique concrete effects.
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Paul Serralheiro 2010-07-13
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