Search - Harry Partch, Dean Drummond, Newband :: Partch: The Wayward

Surprising

12/30/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first Newband release of any of Partch's vocal works. The result is somewhat surprising. Instrumentally, they still seem to be quite conservative, sticking close by the interpretations recorded by Partch. The vocals, however, are very different. Much of the ironic/sarcastic undertone of the pieces is brought to the foreground, with dramatic contrasts of dynamics and an occasional sneering tone quality. The effect is often -- though not always -- excessively melodramatic. I hate to say it, but this is not a minor disappointment for me. I had long been looking forward to Newband releasing a recording of Barstow. (Will the Columbia recording never see a digital release?) But -- my disappointment is tempered by my belief that Partch's music needs a wider variety of interpreters if it is to survive. Perhaps someone whose ears are not so familiar with Partch's recordings will appreciate this CD better than I am able to. In any case, it is a good thing that Newband does not feel compelled to sound just like the old recordings. This is a landmark CD for Newband, and I continue to look forward to future releases."