David Occhipinti: Looking Glass

David Occhipinti delivers a compact yet richly textured statement with Looking Glass, a collection that runs approximately 35 minutes and registers more as a carefully curated EP than a conventional full-length album. The work centers on original compositions for electric guitar and string trio, drawing inspiration from Dadaist artists and the surreal narratives of Lewis Carroll. The result is music that moves fluidly between the familiar and the disorienting, mirroring the reflective quality suggested by its title.

The album opens with "Six Bagatelles," a suite of short, jewel-like pieces lasting about seven minutes, combining restful melodies, angular chamber motifs and unexpected textural shifts. The guitar and strings engage in intimate dialogue as Occhipinti's delicate, resonant lines introduce extended techniques that move the music from plucked warmth to more abrasive, sculptural terrain. The string trio, featuring violinist Aline Homzy and colleagues, supplies a warm foundation, while the guitar adds subtle disruptions that keep the music alert and engaging.

At the center stands "The Frumious Bandersnatch," a substantial 13-minute exploration that fully embraces Carroll-inspired absurdity. Through prepared strings and electronic manipulation, Occhipinti unfolds layers of tension and release. Moments of lyrical beauty dissolve into jagged, Dadaist interruptions that feel purposeful rather than arbitrary, while the string trio responds with precision and empathy. Special guests Beverley Johnston on vibraphone and Charlotte Mundy on soprano contribute additional color to pieces such as "Who's Your Dada?" and "You Stepped Out," enriching the sound world without diluting its chamber essence.

Occhipinti has long navigated the spaces between jazz, improvisation and contemporary classical music, and that fluid lineage remains evident throughout. There are no easy grooves or predictable resolutions—only thoughtful interplay, genuine surprise and a balance of intellect and emotion. For listeners drawn to boundary-crossing chamber music, Looking Glass provides a concise yet potent experience and a welcome addition to his catalog.