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Linus+Økland/Van Heertum/Zach: mono no aware
ByThe addition of a percussionist might look like the biggest change in the approach. But really it's more about concision, and a shift in the balance between composed and improvised material. Felt like old folk was largely improvised, with only one of the four tracks composed by Machtelinckx. Here the nine tracks are split between three Jillings compositions, two by Machtelinckx, and four group improvisations.
Jillings' "Islander" opens the set with what turns out to be a trio: a very folk-like fiddle tune from Nils Økland, joined by guitar and hand drum. The deep sound of baritone guitar arpeggios dominates "Truth," with some chord stabs overdubbed on banjo, then horns and fiddle added a few minutes in. Zach's percussion is atmospheric: oceanic textural sounds, followed by a surprising chorus of high bells. "Snakes and Ladders" shows another side of Jillings' composing, sounding like a stately, rhythmic dance. Machtelinckx's tunes have their own character. "Dewy" is built on contrapuntal lines, with a melody finally emerging. "Fairbanks" finds him again on banjo, and features another folk-song melody.
For the most part the improvisations are similar to the previous album, although more compact. "Stir" and "Still" both use long tones, building a quiet, slow moving texture. "Stray" goes into new territory, combining a fiddle tune, atmospheric horn accompaniment, and banjo chords with heavy reverbit sounds more "composed" than some of the written music, and is a fitting close to the album. This is an adventurous, extremely flexible group of players. They're not afraid to mix a bit of electronics in with their acoustic instruments, or to cross stylistic lines. Jazz, folk music, classical music and free improvisation are all fair game. There's also a feeling of welcome to listeners that is rare in experimental music.
Track Listing
islander; truth; stir; surge; dewy; fairbanks; snakes and ladders; still; stray.
Personnel
Ruben Machtelinckx
guitarRuben Machtelinckx: acoustic baritone guitar, banjo; Thomas Jillings: tenor & C-melody saxophone, alto clarinet; Nils Økland: hardanger fiddle; Niels Van Heertum: euphonium; Ingar Zach: percussion.
Album information
Title: mono no aware | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Aspen Edities
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About Ruben Machtelinckx
Instrument: Guitar
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