| Second, equally essential Jon Gibson reissue, available again. "This is a reissue on CD of Gibson's second LP, which was originally issued by Philip Glass' extremely collectible Chatham Square label in 1977.
This CD version presents presents five pieces, three of which are unissued. 'Cycles', for solo organ, uses a seven note melodic progression in four-part harmony exploring various technique on the pipe organ. 'Untitled', for solo alto flute, is a long melody where the note sequence is indicated while the other elements of the performance (duration, phrasing, tempo, ...) are left to the player choices. Both these compositions combine elements of the written structure with elements of improvisation.
Then there are three unissued compositions. 'Melody IV Part 1' is part of a series of «melody» pieces that use the same melodic material in different contest. Another piece of the «melody» series is 'Melody III', for Yamaha Organ, built around the number 36 and his possible divisions. To close the CD, 'Song 1' for quartet that echoes, in the sound and instrumentation, a string quartet with soprano sax, violin and two cellos. The inspiration source is almost traditional and the result is very charming and nice. On cello on this track there is the great American composer and performer Arthur Russell.
This release offers another possibility to discover the music of composer Jon Gibson and, more in general, of another side of the American Minimal Music." |