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Spooky Actions: Early Music
ByWith Gunther on flute and Mike Richmond on cello doubling the theme, Von Bingen's "De Virginibus O Nobilissima Viriditas" yields its gentle beauty nestled in the atmospheric processed guitar of Arnold. Kirk Driscoll's spare, steady percussion keeps the ethereal piece grounded. Arnold weaves clear-toned innovations on Dufay's "Vergine Bella." With Gunther on sensual soprano, Driscoll and Richmond create a breezy tension.
The brief take on Monteverdi's "Canzonet 1,2, & 3" has the light sophistication of a Ben Allison track, while "Gregorian Chant" gets a surprisingly vigorous reading. Likewise, "Introit, Gaudeamus Omnes" becomes a gentle whirlpool as the contrapuntal round unfolds. Based on music written in the second century BC, "Epitaph of Seikilos" appropriately emerges from a mist of Frippian guitar effects. Gunther's tenor doubles Richmond's bowed bass through the reflective theme, before sending smokey tones entwining electronic swells.
Driscoll and Richmond tap the joy of "Alleluya," with Gunther celebrating on flute. Arnold takes a wiry solo before supporting Gunther's extended flight. Arnold again electronically orchestrates on "Ode from the Kanon for Easter Sunday," setting the stage of Gunther's bass clarinet, and then bringing a springy altered guitar sound to the composition.
Spooky Actions manage to shine a modern light on ancient sacred music without bleaching the dark mysteries inherent in the initial design.
Track Listing
De Virginibus O Nobilissima Viriditas; Vergine Bella; Canzonet 1, 2, & 3 (from 21 canzonets for 3 instruments); Gregorian Chant, Introit, Gaudeamus Omnes; Epitaph of Seikilos; Alleluya (Nativitas); Ode from the Kanon for Easter Sunday.
Personnel
Bruce Arnold- electric processed guitar; John Gunther- flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Kirk Driscoll- drums, percussion; Mike Richmond- bass, cello.
Album information
Title: Early Music | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Muse Eek