Mirrored Glass is the latest release from Toronto-based percussion duo Taktus, comprised of Fredericton-native Greg Harrison and Jonny Smith. The record is presented in two “sides”, one featuring compositions by Canadian electronic and classical composer Ann Southam, and the other by the legendary Philip Glass. It is a follow up to Taktus’ CBC-celebrated, ECMA-nominated work Glass Houses for Marimba (2015), their take on Southam’s Glass Houses, which was in turn inspired by Glass’ own work. Continue reading New Music: Taktus Reflect the Works of the Legendary Philip Glass with ‘Mirrored Glass’
Tag Archives: Album Review
New Music: The Stanfields Have All The Fun With ‘Classic Fadeout’
If you’re looking for a sleepy, mundane listening experience… well, the latest album from The Stanfields is probably one you’ll want to stay away from. Classic Fadeout is highly concentrated and bursting with chaotically fun energy with just six tracks. Continue reading New Music: The Stanfields Have All The Fun With ‘Classic Fadeout’
New Music: Mark Fewer & Hank Knox Revive Vivaldi’s Lost ‘Manchester Sonatas’
When Cardinal Ottoboni died in Rome in 1740, he was in possession of a huge library of music for which he was the Patron. Part of these works were twelve sonatas that had not seen much play save by a few associates of the composer. The bulk of the music was bought by the English musical scholar Edward Holdsworth.
Over the next nearly two centuries the works passed from owner to owner, until, at a Sotheby’s auction in 1918 they were purchased by the renowned musicologist of the time, Newman Flower. Now, Flower was a Handel scholar and spent most of his illustrious career studying and promoting Handel’s work, so many other arrangements in his possession were left by the way-side to wither in obscurity. Following Flower’s death, much of his collection was passed on to the Manchester Library. It was there in 1973 that another musicologist, Michael Talbot, came across the twelve sonatas in question, and he was struck by the name on the sheets:
Antonio Vivaldi. Continue reading New Music: Mark Fewer & Hank Knox Revive Vivaldi’s Lost ‘Manchester Sonatas’
New Music: Jeff Hope Makes Up For Lost Time with ‘Fill The Void’
Fill The Void is an apt name for Jeff Hope’s latest release. With almost 20 years between now and his debut album, Hope has plenty of lost time to make up for. The result is eighteen full tracks of pure, fun energy, laced with just a hint of the struggles Hope’s gone through in recent times. Continue reading New Music: Jeff Hope Makes Up For Lost Time with ‘Fill The Void’
New Music: Menoncle Jason Outgrows His Roots in ‘La grosse piastre’
Mononcle Jason’s newest release, La grosse piastre, is first and foremost an Acadian concept album. Coming three years after his full-length debut, Dans son prime, this new album outlines some of the realities of living the small-town lifestyle and why Menoncle Jason has chosen to leave it behind. Continue reading New Music: Menoncle Jason Outgrows His Roots in ‘La grosse piastre’