Ten Impressions for Piano & Strings is one of Los Angeles-based composer
Sean McCann's first albums to veer away from electronic-based experimental drones and toward compositions for acoustic instruments. It wouldn't be inaccurate to still refer to the album as ambient music, however, with an ethereal echo causing the reflective piano and violin notes to drift away. While not reaching the overwhelming intensity of some of
McCann's earlier, noisier efforts, the strings still swell up on pieces like "Guardian," conjuring half-forgotten memories in a manner similar to the Caretaker. Other moments like "Choreographer" are calmer and more reflective, while "A Guiding Measure" brings back some rusty distortion. Closing track "Sense of Life" is a bit eerier, slipping in some disconcerting tape-manipulated voices. The lovely album continues
McCann's graceful evolution as an artist. ~ Paul Simpson