Category Archives: CD Reviews

2 CD Reviews: Two From Innova Rec: The Peter Kerlin Octet And Ayman Fan/Jason Kao Hwang

CD reviews by Matt Cole

Two recent releases from Innova Recordings, the record label of the St. Paul-based American Composers Forum, while having very different lineups (one an octet, the other a duo), provide fine examples of musical patience and communication.

879_coverArtist: Peter Kerlin Octet
Title: Salamander
Label: Innova Rec
Genre: jazz/new music/Collection: chamber, double bass, funk, music for dance & soundtrack

Salamander is the debut album from bassist/composer Peter Kerlin. The five pieces on the roughly 40-minute album are scored for two vibraphones (Sam Sowydra and Cesare Papetti), two basses (Kerlin, joined by Taylor Bergren-Chrisman and Brent Cordero), organ (Emily Manzo), drums and percussion (Mike Pride and Charles Burst), and viola (Amy Cimini, Jessica Pavone, and Karen Waltuch).

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CD Review: Richard Bennett…interpreting raga through American musical form; and creating a triptych as a framework

a1351448752_2Artist: Richard Bennet
Title: Raga & Blues
Label: Mystica Music (India)
Genre: Raga blues?

Review by Dawoud Kringle

The CD begins with a tambura and sparse notes on piano that introduce an alap in Raga Malkauns. This gradually opens up into a rolling swarm of notes somewhat reminiscent of Michael Harrison’s piano work. Above this thick tapestry, melodies would appear and disappear. Occasional suggestions of a teehai would rise.

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CD Review: Amy Denio’s solo album… her fearless exploration of music on her own terms!!

a3418242945_2Artist: Amy Denio
Title: Prodigal Light
Label: Spoot Music
Genre: nu singer-song writer

CD Review by Dawoud Kringle

“Amame” opens Amy Denio’s latest CD release Prodigal Light. An electric guitar figure lays down a foundation for Denio and the others to fill the air with lush vocal harmonies. The song has a very “old world folkish” feel that lures the listener into its peaceful and contemplative world. Flutes and a rubbery bass part work their way into the hypnotic song. It ends without warning.

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CD Review: Magnetic Ear – a pocket brass band from New Orleans led by Martin Krusche (Germany)

albumArtist: Magnetic Ear
Title: Alien of Extraordinary Ability
Label: self released
Genre: New Orleans style second line and funk, Eastern European brass band music and African music

CD Review by Dawoud Kringle

Magnetic Ear is part of the new scene of music coming from New Orleans. An ensemble led by Martin Krusche. Born in Germany, and currently living in New Orleans, Krusche is in addition to being an accomplished musician/composer/band leader, he is also respected saxophone repair man.

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