A Composer with Eclectic Ears
Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 04/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Derek Bermel is a gifted, highly-awarded classical composer who works as a rock musician steeped in jazz, blues, and world music. This well-recorded album is a showcase of musical talent of both composer and performing orchestra, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. The first work, Dust Dances [1994], based on Bermel's training on the West African xylophone, called a gyil, is full of energy. Its strong rhythmic texture and melodic runs evokes Ghanan village life. Thracian Echoes [2002], the second piece, is influenced by Bulgarian choirs. Bremel describes this as "a juxtaposition of mournful and manic" and the "echoes within phrases" produce a feeling of nostalgia and wistfulness. Elixir [2006] is a brief piece of shimmering, glistening reflections of sound. A cresendo with mounting instrumentation emerge from this mist. The final selection, Voices [1997], is a clarinet concerto, scored under the influence of Eric Dophy's and Charles Mingus' musical interactions. Bermel himself is the perfoming clarinetist here. (He also plays keyboards and percussion on other recordings.)The first movement is an instrumental conversation and oratory of grumbles and moans, like a blend of Meredith Monk and Clark Terry; the second movement is a lyrical folk song with sweet clarinet licks; the final movement is pure fun, with its drum and cymbal blues and funk. This is an extraordinary album that will surprise you and will bear repeated listening with ever new discoveries. I had not heard of Derek Bermel before, but I will definitely look for other compositions of his. Indeed, I would love to have a day-long conversation with him about music. He is a composer for this global 21st century. The SACD CD, playable on regular CD players, as well as surround-sound systems, is worth the expense."
Amazing...
L. Krier | Brooklyn, NY USA | 02/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sound quality is great, the artwork is amazing, and the music is eclectic and beautiful. Wonderful job!!!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1