This CD features six works for percussion ensemble, performed by the percussion group Phonix Reflexion, led by Japanese percussionist Shinti Ueno.
A showcase of both Eastern and Western composers, the CD contains "Optical Wave for Six Percussionists" (Isao Matsushita), "Afta-Stuba!" (Mark Ford),"Kecak for Six Percussionists" (Akira Nishimura), "Celebration and Chorale"(Neil Deponte), "Gainsborough" (Thomas Gauger), and "Heterorhythmix"(Tokuhide Niimi). Several of the composers provide endorsements of their pieces' recordings in the liner notes.
The performers demonstrate strong technical and musical abilities; especially impressive is the individual attention to the shaping of melodic lines from player to player on every piece. The most striking feature of this CD is its clarity and balance. While percussion music can often be tricky to record, the keyboard parts are articulate without sounding harsh, and non-pitched instruments(drums, cymbals, gongs, etc.) never seem overbalanced to other aspects of the music.
This CD should be appealing to awide variety of audiences, from students and conductors looking to explore both familiar and unfamiliar works, to nonacademic listeners who can appreciate an enjoyable listening experience.
(From CD review by Jason Baker, published in PAS newsletter, Percussive Notes, May, 2010. )
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