Kevin Richard Martin
Return to Solaris
(Phantom Limb)
★★★

HAVING the gumption to tackle something as seminal as Solaris is either incredibly brave and daring or the most brazen example of foolishness.

The biggest challenge for the composer is not only daring to create something for one of the most important films of the last century but also placing themselves in direct contention with the original composer, Eduard Artemyev.

On this recording, Kevin Richard Martin’s colours are imaginative and the choice to remain solely on synths is a fitting balance between tribute and continuance of what Artemyev initially created.

Yet I fear the fit is not strong enough. Though the sounds are akin to the original, therein lie the flaws. The creation is well-developed and well-paced but in the end, I wish there was a bit more daring. Tributes are very good but surely the best tribute for a radical is more radicalism?

Various
The Night With... Live Vol. 2
(The Night With... )
★★★★

FOLLOWING the success of their first  album, The Night With’s second stems  from their increasingly popular concert series, with the six tracks including a variety of composers, idioms and musical results.

Ghosts by Ed Bennett has Garth Knox showing off almost every facet of the viola and thankfully Knox is no stranger to such challenges. Handling them incredibly, he adds a wonderful lyricism to every gesture.

With an almost sadistic sense of ease, Duo Van Vliet bring out the darkest qualities of Marta Sniady’s brutal <<<st)i(II<<<. Though the intention is never clear-cut, the colour and dynamism is a worthwhile challenge for anyone looking to expand their acoustic horizons.

The combination of early and trad music, performed by both Duo Van Vliet and Ensemble 1604. make an even stronger contrast on an album, which though not all to my taste, is one that will have something for everyone.

Rui Travasso
Letters From Quarantine
(Odradek Records)
★★★★★

THE PANDEMIC has been quite the obtrusive block for many in the arts. But the Portuguese Rui Travasso has successfully managed to find a creative outlet in this well-crafted album, with  the clarinet pieces  all recorded at home.

The real strength of the album, beyond the performer’s playing, is the choice of music. Though featuring familiar names in the woodwind world like Tomasi and Jacob, the selection is genuinely mixed and unique. No stereotypes, just varied and curious music.

The tiny Homage to JSB, from Jacob’s Five Pieces, is a surprising and cheeky highlight, while treats can also be found in Rudolf Escher’s sonata and Sergio Azevedo’s sonatina.

Each piece shows many different qualities of the instrument and Rui Travasso’s skills shine throughout. A surprisingly heartfelt album, which is ultimately a lovely tonic to freshen this horrendous period.