CD Reviews: Ganelin Trio Priority - “Live at the Lithuanian National Philharmony Vilnius 2005”
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Posted by: editoron Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 08:22 PM |
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DVD-2007 Nemu Records
During the ‘70s and ‘80s, The Ganelin Trio released some truly stunning LPs, subsequently reissued for CD format on Leo Records. Keyboardist/composer Vyacheslav Ganelin spearheaded an avant-garde jazz unit that excelled in musician-based multitasking, while deriving influences from classical music, Russian folk and modern jazz. This wondrously filmed event of the band’s 2005 performance at an ornate Lithuanian theater showcases the current lineup, featuring saxophonist Petras Vysniauskas and drummer/percussionist Klaus Kugel.
The trio’s very theatrical performance is akin to observing a complex plot full of unanticipated diversions. Ganelin’s dreamy synth passages often unfold into thrusting piano-based forays, awash with hammering block chords and his band-mates’ fluid progressions. Simply put, the music levitates towards semi-structured motifs designed with crashing cadenzas and free-form implosions.
They possess the gait of a militia running towards the frontline. At times, Ganelin pursues classically-oriented motifs with saxophonist Petras Vysniauskas while drummer Klaus Kugel enhances and shades via his use of bells and bowed cymbal-swashes. With seamless shifts in strategy, the artists venture towards free-bop terrain while occasionally tempering the flow down to a near whisper.
Ultimately, the footage confirms the trio’s musical wizardry and effortless agility. Ideas abound here. In essence, they merge a cerebral game-plan with an ever-present sense of drama. More importantly, they render a high form-factor of entertainment. Musically speaking, you can’t ask for much more than that… - Glenn Astarita
For additional information, visit: www.nemu-records.com & www.ganelintrio.com
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