Reviewed: 2018-03-30
Genre: Classical (X)
FCCs: none
Review: Mitchell has received worldwide acclaim for his path-breaking work as a multi-instrumentalist. Credited for reasserting the composer into what has traditionally been an improvisational form, Mitchell is an acknowledged leader in expanding the boundaries of traditional jazz. His unique musical style has placed him at the forefront of contemporary music for over 40 years. Now, a whole new side of his iconic genius is revealed in this premiere performance of his contemporary classical compositions.
If You Like: Penderecki, Xenakis, Matthew Shipp, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Thelonious Monk Orchestra
Track Review (favorites denoted by *):
*1/ Rub (9:41) – flute/piano starts> slow soft jam> slowly builds in volume with added instruments & vocals> full orchestra plays in slow rolling waves> flute solo> slow jam> fade
**2/ Nonainainah (11.18) – piano starts> slow jam> slowly builds in volume to slow moving frenzied jam> crescendo> slow ominous jam with strings like a Hitchcock soundtrack slowly builds in volume, tempo, & intensity with several instruments soloing simultaneously in a frenzied uptempo off-kiter jam, then slows to an ominous midtempo jam> quickly slows to fade on solo piano
3/ Wha Wha (10:08) – horns start hesitantly> slow full orchestra jam> piano solo slowly swings uptempo & off-kilter> horns join like elephants stampeding> piano/percussion duet> pause> slow drone leads to slow orchestral jam> slow build in volume & intensity to ominous slow jam, then slows to fade
*4/ Frenzy House (10:54) – horns start> slow orchestral jam swings to midtempo off-kilter frenzied jam with flutes on top> pause> orchestra slow ominous jam morphs into midtempo frensy with several instruments playing simultaneously> crescendo> slow jam rolls in waves> swells in volume then swings into uptempo orchestral jam like armies marching> increases in volume & intensity> crescendo end