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Linus + Økland/Van Heertum/Zach: Light As Never
ByThe program's balance has shifted back towards group improvisation, with only two individually composed pieces. "Playful" opens the album with a brief rhythmic idea interrupted by fiddle and synthesizer. "Ostinato" is an aptly titled Jillings composition. Machtelinckx's guitar provides the ostinato pattern (along with atmospheric percussion), while fiddle and saxophone play a slow melody over the top. The title tune is by Machtelinckx, and definitely sounds composed, with moving harmonies and a striking melody. The generally gentle group sound builds to a striking crescendo before settling down to a calm conclusion.
"Affirms Nothing" is all atmosphere: bell-like percussion, synthesizer drones, high fiddle and gentle guitar harmonies. "Conway" is the longest improvisation (and the longest track on the album), and it opens with a nervous, jagged rhythm that supports long-note saxophone and fiddle lines. Eventually, Økland emerges with a solo, followed by Van Heertum's euphonium. "First Notes" starts out as a guitar/fiddle duo, joined by alto clarinet, then euphonium, building into a collective conversation. "Echo" closes the album in a reflective mood, anchored by baritone guitar. It is an appropriate ending to this mostly improvisational outing, equal parts chamber jazz and New Music. The ensemble has developed a distinctive sound, one that values the contributions of all of the players over soloists: even the percussion is more about texture than timekeeping.
Track Listing
Playful; Ostinato; Light As Never; Affirms Nothing; Conway; First Notes; Echo.
Personnel
Ruben Machtelinckx
guitarThomas Jillings
woodwindsNils Økland
violinNiels Van Heertum
euphoniumIngar Zach
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Ruben Machtelinckx: guitar, baritone guitar, banjo; Thomas Jillings: tenor saxophone, alto clarinet, synthesizer; Nils Økland: hardanger fiddle; Niels Van Heertum: euphonium, trumpet; Ingar Zach: percussion.
Album information
Title: Light As Never | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Aspen Edities
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About Ruben Machtelinckx
Instrument: Guitar
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