Misha Alperin - Night (2002)

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Misha Alperin - Night (2002)

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Debut of a new trio with Ukrainian pianist Alperin, German cellist Lechner, and Norwegian percussionist Kjos Sørensen. "Night" is a recording of the group's very first performance, at the VossaJazz Festival in Norway in 1998. Misha Alperin, commissioned to write for VossaJazz, determined to go against the prevailing bombastic trends at the festivals. The music of "Night" is a suite composed by Alperin and is often of an intense quietude, with silences used tellingly. But the writing also leaves space for striking improvisation, mostly of a "non-jazz" variety: Alperin puts the 'classical' backgrounds of Lechner and Kjos Sørensen to good use. He is himself a musician between the genres, who came to jazz only after a long history of playing classical and folk musics. ~ ECM Records

Ukrainian pianist Misha Alperin’s commissioned work simply entitled Night presents a contrast from the norm in the way most audiences think of jazz orchestrations. Without “big horn sections, lots of noise, electric instruments, or special guest stars…”, the ensemble quietly but profoundly consists of piano, violincello, and percussion to deliver its theme. The silent absence of pretentious music mirrors Alperin’s vision for the suite: The musical symbolization of the “intense silence of night”, with abrupt intrusions of noise, such as a slamming car door, or an approaching thunderstorm.

Night was performed and recorded live in 1998 at Vossa Jazz Festival in Norway. As customary with ECM recordings, the sound is exquisite, and emphasizes the theme for the listener to experience. Alperin's arranging and composing skills are brought to life as the selections create the moods and feels of various night visions. The opener “Tuesday” plays out in somber and moving waves with the violoncello’s dark notes. Strange and wonderful things also occur when the sun settles, which is implicated on the spirited piece “Second Piece” with its marimba/piano/violin dueling. Anja Lechner plays beautifully with deep and dark tones from the violincello. Percussionist Hans-Kristian Sorenson brings an assortment of sounds with drums, bells, chimes, wood, and whatever else is at hand to bring vibrancy into the music. “Heavy Hour” plays out like a nocturnal visit into some unknown land with its tribal chants, percussive energy, and chilling string work. The suite ends with the beautiful and intriguing “Far, Far ….” It moves like a passing storm in the middle of the hours of darkness. Striking, complex, and full of energy, Night is an illuminating piece of music. ~By Mark F. Turner Allaboutjazz.com

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Misha Alperin - Night (2002)

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Misha Alperin - Night (2002)

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