Erosonic's repertoire consists of compositions for baritone saxophone and accordion. Yes, you read right; that's not a usual combination. If the music brings to mind
Rova and
Guy Klucevsek, it still stands solemnly on its own, sounding different than most anything else you have heard before. And yet, it doesn't strike one as being particularly original. Creative and challenging yes, but original?
David Mott -- who wrote or co-wrote five of the six pieces on this CD -- approaches his duo with Joseph Petric like so many other avant-garde ensembles that come from both contemporary classical and jazz backgrounds. The music is rich, highly detailed, full of twists and turns -- but, instrumentation aside, it lacks surprise, spontaneity, or at least something to attract not only the intellect but also the soul. That said, the pieces work very well, with special mentions to "Mystery Theatre" and "Tarantelle." The first one is vividly cinematic. The musicians explore a wide range of dynamics. Improvisation has its say and as a result the piece sounds more organic and involving. The same thing can be said about "Beating the Heavenly Drum," a moving improvisation despite the fact that it remains mostly rhythmical and tonal. "Tarantelle" closes the set. Written by David Keane, it is the only piece to feature a tape part. All of
David Mott and Joseph Petric's virtuosity and talent as performers is encapsulated in that piece, which was also the highlight of the duo's performance at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville in 2001.
Mystery Theatre is a studio recording from a year later. ~ François Couture