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The Hemphill String Stringtet: The Hemphill Stringtet Plays the Music of Julius Hemphill
By Track review of "My First Winter/Touchic""My First Winter/Touchic" opens with the hauntingly beautiful "My First Winter," where Stewart's violin delivers a loose, emotive melody that evokes the chill and introspection of a first snowfall. The quartet's interplay is delicate yet purposeful, with Reid's cello anchoring the texture with delicate, plucked notes that nod to Hemphill's collaborator Abdul Wadud. As the track transitions into a freer, improvised bridge, Bardfeld's violin solo emerges, weaving bluesy phrases with a virtuosic edge that feels both rooted and exploratory, segueing into a free-form breakout. The shift into "Touchic" is smooth yet electrifying, as the ensemble locks into a hard-grooving odd-meter ostinato. Griffin's solo here is a standout, dancing atop the rhythmic pulse with an Ornette Coleman-like balance of freedom and fidelity to the bass line. Her lyrical improvisation, set against wispy harmonics and Reid's steady cello, captures Hemphill's knack for fusing structure with spontaneity.
The medley's strength lies in its ability to honor Hemphill's compositional voice while highlighting Stringtet's improvisational prowess. The transition from the achingly tender "My First Winter" to the lively, "Touchic" mirrors the emotional range of Hemphill's work, from introspective to boisterous. Hence, this is a testament to Hemphill's enduring relevance and Stringtet's bold vision, making it an entrancing centerpiece of this momentous endeavor.
Track Listing
Revue; Mingus Gold: Nostalgia in Times Square; Mingus Gold: Alice in Wonderland; Mingus Gold: Better Get Hit in Your Soul; My First Winter/Touchic; Choo Choo.
Personnel
Album information
Title: The Hemphill Stringtet Plays the Music of Julius Hemphill | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Out Of Your Head Records
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