This album is the culmination of a project begun by pianist Kate Halsall to explore ways of transforming the traditional piano concerto; works were developed centered around two pianos with varied chamber and electro-acoustical accompaniment, some of which are genuinely ‘fusion’ works incorporating jazz and rock instruments. Extended techniques, pitched silences and film also play a part. The album concept includes an audiovisual work not on the CD but available to stream, or to buy for a small extra cost. The second disc is more experimental and consists of four “Maché” pieces, made up of building blocks contributed by a number of composers, some specially written and some being extracts or arrangements of full length works. They include improvised and notated material, spoken word and many technical effects, producing a fascinating set of sound collages based around the two-piano core.

The album involves many composers and performers from the exciting new-music scene in England all of whom are developing reputations for excellence and innovation. They include many from experimental Rock and Jazz as well as classical: pianists are Fumiko Miyachi, Martin Butler, Marjolaine Charbin and Rachael Ueckermann, with Lucy Shaw (upright bass), Ruth Goller (bass guitar), Joel Bell (electric guitar), and Ensemble Dark Inventions (and more!).

Artists

Andrew Poppy (keyboard), Kate Halsall, Fumiko Miyachi, Lucy Shaw, Joel Bell, Ruth Goller (bass guitar), Robert Millett (percussion), Jeremy Barnett, Delia Stevens, James Waterworth, Duncan MacLeod, Simon Vincent, Martin Butler, Leo Chadburn, Marjolaine Charbin, Rachael Ueckermann, Dark Inventions, Chris Leedham