Veryan Weston: Tessellations for Lutheal Piano (2003)

The differentiator resides within a pianist’s ability to pull out the “clavecirl” stop, where vibrations occur, resulting in various tonal adjustments. Thankfully, the liner notes provide the in-depth technicalities and historical aspects of this unique invention. Moreover, it’s an enhanced CD ROM, providing a source of information for the “Tessellations”: geometric structures transposed into rhythms and counterpoint.

Overall, Weston – a consummate improvising, progressive jazz pianist – uses this antique piano as a platform for expressionism, intrigue, and other sensibilities. He also (and perhaps inadvertently) provides a bit of trickery, due to his often-fascinating contrapuntal maneuvers. As a whole, these five works are comprised of fifty-two pentatonic scales. Essentially, this implementation consists of segments that pronounce a naturally generated stereo sound. Notions of modern day prepared piano elements come to mind, as the artist explores a medley of harmonic contrasts amid a world-music type viewpoint.

Weston improvises through off-metered rhythms in concert with rippling arpeggios and fairy tale-like melodies. It’s an all-encompassing exposition for sure. Sometimes the pianist performs with the vim and vigor of a child rummaging through a toy store, or perhaps akin to an engineer retrofitting an old turbine engine for modern day use. (Vigorously recommended...)

Comments