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Trevor Dunn and Shelley Burgon: Baltimore
With wood and strings as the basic elements, Dunn and Burgon conjure sounds and textures that defy expectations for their instruments. Dunn wields his bow to elicit a shrill wail for dramatic effect on "I. On "III, his arco achieves a delicate whistle. Dunn extends the sonic possibilities with percussive raps on the instrument's body and strings for declarative punctuation. Burgon also evinces a percussive approach, at times plonking the strings and tamping their sustain to accentuate the attack. She eschews stereotypical chorus-of-angels glissandos, except for a brief crescendo in the finale. Instead, she uses an earthier style, scraping the strings and excavating buzzes that approximate the sounds of prepared piano.
The improvisations decisively unfold with little hesitation: ideas are shared and developed. Applying a composer's mindset, Dunn and Burgon imbue tension that is resolved over time, providing an oblique arc to the concert. Even without developed melodic movements, the improvisations sound logical. The two remain tethered, abstractly at times and play withnot againsteach other. Spaces are left for notes and phrases to breathe rather than being crushed in a barrage. Baltimore reveals two improvisers who are attuned to the novel possibilities of their uncommon instrumentation and revel in the exploration.
Track Listing
I; II; III; IV; V; VI.
Personnel
Trevor Dunn
bassTrevor Dunn: contrabass; Shelley Burgon: pedal harp.
Album information
Title: Baltimore | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Skirl Records
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Trevor Dunn and Shelley Burgon
CD/LP/Track Review
Trevor Dunn
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Skirl Records
United States
New York
New York City
Baltimore