Search - Michael Gordon :: Trance / Icebreaker

More of an Icebreaker and less of Trance

Garth Terry | Sykesville, MD United States | 07/14/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In recent years I have found the recording and engineering of the Argo label to be so well done and to my liking, that I find new music by label and give it a whirl. I was intrigued by the name of this album, expecting it to be something new, fusing techno/trance with modern classical music. What I found was a little surprising, and at first, a little painful.The liner notes give the warning, the one that any contemporary music veteran is familiar with, that listeners not inclined to challenges will not enjoy the work. With a well trained ear I can hear the ideas that Gordon is striving for. Fusion of Balanese gamalon with Detroit funk and neo-Mozartian part writing are along side with dense complex rhythms interlaced with twist of minimalist change ups. There is a flavor of free form jazz, however it never gives the impression that the arranged sounds are the result of a whim. When there is any sort of melody I do not find myself humming along with it or remembering it, but find it rather as a supporting structure of the rhythmic mix and as a vehicle to move the music along.The result sounds to me like Gordon had written electronica trance music (or with a collaborator) and then transcribed the results into traditional and acoustic instruments. However I think that the orchestration step of that should be reworked to some degree. The sometimes awkward combination of instruments for different tasks not only interrupts the malifluous intent of the piece, but at times creates irritating overtones. The musicians sound like they could use a little help, as some of the part writing has apparantly left out opportunities for wind players to take a breath.On the other hand there are some rewards for those who stick with the whole six-sectioned piece. After finishing the fourth or fifth section you begin to realize that you actually are going somewhere, and have been for some time. Some of the early signiture motives return and prepare for the big build up in the final section.The two "bonus tracks" on the CD are quite fun and would make a great addition to a mix of some type. They are much less challenging to listen to and give a consice rehash of the previous 40 or 50 minutes. In all, I was not thrilled with this CD from Argo, however I think a little patients will pay some dividends."