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Matt Turner: Crushed Smoke

By Glenn Astarita
July 1, 2001
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Wisconsin-based cellist Matt Turner is apt to stretch his instrument of choice to the far-reaching limits of time, space, and practicality, whether performing in rock, jazz, or contemporary classical frameworks. With Crushed Smoke, the artist opts for the solo route via his acoustic and Yamaha electric cellos. Essentially, Turner serves up a series of mind-bending improvisations amid a cornucopia of variegated motifs throughout these fifteen cleverly articulated performances.

The cellist mimics what appear to be animal sounds or perhaps a cranky old codger on "Smoking Carnivore," as he also emulates the sound of heavy machinery amid concentrated patterns and dissonant lines on "Fractals." Otherwise, Turner injects percussive statements, haunting thematic opuses, austere classicism, and emotive dialogue into his rather compelling repertoire. Needless to state this is heady stuff, yet Turner's often daring and hypermodern concepts often bespeak a mark of distinction.

Tautology

Track Listing

Contraption; Space Station; Vent; Smoking Carnivore; Fractals; Sticky Victrola; Blisters; Koto Caress; Pegs; Prarie Lament; Tap; A Simple Line; Blinker; Clascht; Ancient Signs.

Personnel

Matt Turner

cello

Matt Turner: cello, Yamaha electric cello.

Album information

Title: Crushed Smoke | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Tautology

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