Tag Archives: Laraaji

On Record – Merope – Véjula (STROOM)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This is the fifth album from Lithuanian duo Merope, who are Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė (singer and kanklès) and Bert Cools (guitar and producer). They have built a lasting reputation for their individual blend of folk and ambient music, honed on the Stroom label since 2012.

Véjula finds them spreading their wings to welcome collaborations with like-minded musicians, including Shahzad Ismaily, Laraaji and Bill Frisell.

What’s the music like?

Merope are simultaneously soothing and stimulating. Their ambient credentials are very strong, and because of that Koumu Lil immediately takes you to a calm, meditative spot, aided by the Lithuanian chordophone known as the kanklès. Once there you can admire the inventive musicianship on offer, as the music shimmers and sparkles in front of your eyes.

Throughout there is an endearing richness of colour, with music that can meander on occasion (enjoyably so) before being punctuated by sudden pinpoints of focus. Laraaji’s zither on Namopi, brings rich swathes of sound, complemented by Shahzad Ismaily’s vocals and prompted by the bass. The thrumming of Vija is similarly hypnotic, while there are more intimate musings on Spindulé. Ismaily returns for O Underhill’s fascinating exercises in perspective, with fragmented bursts of sound.

Frisell plays electric guitar on Lopšinė, a rather wonderful reverie complemented by wordless vocals.

Does it all work?

It does. Merope don’t give the impression of working within rules, but their sense of structure is instinctive and ensures each of their musical explorations is expertly judged.

Is it recommended?

It is. A blissful 40 minutes in the company of a consistently inventive act, one whose colour and warmth is difficult to resist.

For fans of… Laraaji, Harold Budd, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Bill Frisell

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,371 – Saturday 23 November 2024

On Record – Group Listening: Clarinet & Piano: Selected Works, Vol. 2 (PRAH Recordings)

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group-listening

reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The first Group Listening album was such a success that clarinettist Stephen Black and pianist Paul Jones have returned for a second instalment. The project celebrates their favourite music – a wide range of electronica, Krautrock and dance-infused classics – by rearranging it for clarinet and piano, with a few electronic twists on the side.

In the course of their work the pair can bring new life to tracks we all thought we knew.

What’s the music like?

Rather special. Both performers play with a great deal of expression, really bringing the music to life and highlighting parts we hadn’t reckoned with before. They are clever with their arrangements, too, giving the melodic lead to the piano on occasion. Robbie Basho’s Blue Crystal Fire is one such example, where Black explores the throaty lower end of the clarinet register while Jones’ piano spins out the tune.

Much of the music is bright and positive, and the first track – a spacious arrangement of Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s Sunset Village – sets the mood perfectly. The appearance of the theme to the 1970s kids tv show Camberwick Green is a humourous shock, joyfully played by both performers, before we hear a radical reworking of Laraaji’s All Of A Sudden. This is where a few risks can go a long way, in this case with the help of a one-touch keyboard rhythm effect.

The Group Listening cover of Malcolm Neon’s Y Cwsg is playful, while Hollywood Dream Trip – originally by Syrinx – is expansive. The original work Five Hundred Miles is unexpectedly poignant, eavesdropping on phone conversations and messages while the instruments work softly voiced conversations of their own. The steady ticking of Seeland has a similar, meditative effect.

Does it all work?

It does – like looking at familiar pictures from unexpected angles and discovering more about them. What really comes across is the love these two musicians have for the music they have arranged and played.

Is it recommended?

Yes. This set of selected works is a blend of cover and remix, throwing new light on music that is revealed to have more dimensions with every listen. A subtly joyous experience.

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