Dan Joseph
Archaea
Mutable 2006

01. Percussion and Strings (2004)
02. Archaea Quartet (2001)
03. Lotus Quintet (2002)

Ahh, love it when album covers match so well together... Do you see where this one's going? Apparently, right off the edge of the case - full-on minimalism, and in three flavors, no less. Joseph, a hammer dulcimer virtuoso and constant on the NY scene, presents three ensemble works for combinations of violin, cello, harpsichord, clarinet, percussion, and hammer dulcimer. Of course, the old redflag word "minimalism" gets to raise its spectre again - just another reason to listen. On one hand, the ensemble does let phrases have their head - and Joseph is a machine on his dulcimer - so the element of repetition is definitely present. However, a listener would be a fool to ask for more detail; the apparent simplicity of phrasing conceals just how much is actually happening. This is especially true in the interaction between hammer dulcimer and harpsichord, where you often find yourself listening to a mixture of them both, without fully grasping either. In some passages, such as towards the end of the 'Lotus Quintet', multiple instruments mirror each other's notes, creating hybrid "super-notes". Nevertheless, Archaea is easy on the ears, with a crisp, unencumbered sound perfect for the "repeat one disc" setting on your stereo. For Joseph, Archaea knocks one out of the park, meeting Mutable Music's worthy goal of releasing music that will "engage the mind and the heart", as well as providing an example of everything that can go deliciously right with minimalist composition.

Record of the week?

>> rapid / ffact (59mb)

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