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Kelly Moran: Bloodroot
ByThe alteration of the piano's sound, via inserted objects, abetted by the electronic aspects of samples and ebows, unleashes a world of sonic possibilities. Moran harnesses these possibilities to create a sound at once simple and complex, modern and antiquarian, eerie and beautiful and, oddly, suffused with a sort of alien sacredness, like a soundtrack to an extraterrestrial (Frank Herbert's Dune world, perhaps) civilization.
The initial impression that comes to mind with Bloodroot, from the opening track, "Celandine," is of a harpsichord. Certain preparations flatten the piano's resonance to create this impression. Then there are gong-like notes, ringing with rich overtones. Moving on to the third composition, "Freesia," a sampled e-bow lays out an electro-drone beneath singing piano notes. "Hyancinth" features strummed and plucked piano strings, and with the title tune Moran employs a "live e-bow on the piano strings" combined with prepared piano that results in a subtle orchestral atmosphere.
There is also, with the entirety of Bloodroot, the impression of the experience of micro-tones, of hearing notes between the notes, unique new soundsan important part of the beguiling component of the music.
The door is wide open for Moran and her style of music making. She steps boldly through that door on Bloodroot. The future possibilities are limitless.
Track Listing
Iris; Celandine; Freesia; Hyacinth; Liatris; Bloodroot; Calla; Statice; Aster; Limonium; Heliconia.
Personnel
Kelly Moran: prepared piano, sampled e-bows, live e-bows.
Album information
Title: Bloodroot | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Telegraph Harp
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