Artist: cellorhythmics

Date of Release: 01/01/2000

Catalogue no: 184

Label: WCM (Working Classical Music)

Price: £10

Add to Shopping Basket

Also available on

Track Listing

Appearances by

James Hesford

Kazahk cellist virtuoso - Alfia Nakipbekova came to the UK from the former Soviet Union in 1981 where she soon became established as a leading chamber and solo musician. Inspired by her new found artistic freedom and the vibrant multi - cultural musical environment, she began to experiment with
other genres of music drawing on her Central Asian roots.

In the early 90's she began collaborating with British jazz/ blues cellist James Hesford and between them the concept of Cellorhythmics was created, bringing together their respective diverse influences.

Cellorhythmics electrifies their audiences with stunning virtuosity and visual impact. The energetic group of four cellists and percussionist creates a musical journey - from exotic Asian soundscapes to the rhythms and textures of contemporary urban life.

Cellorhythmics "Invasion" Tetrahedron WCM (Working Classical Music)

Reviews

04/07/2004 Euan Dixon (Jazz Views)

4/07/2005 Euan Dixon (Jazz Views)
"INVASION" - Music for two cellos may not appear very promising in jazz terms and in fact this music is more jazz influenced than jazz actual. Nonetheless taken for what it is this is a remarkable, stimulating and brilliantly played recital of contemporary chamber music that is brimming with vitality. Both players are extremely accomplished: Alfia, who hails from Central Kazahkstan, is the classical virtuoso whilst James has the jazz background and is credited with composing all the music contained in this disc. Both demonstrate an awesome rapport and commitment to their artistic vision. Preferring not to describe it as “crossover” music but “progressive chamber music” Hesford presents a programme that soaks up a lot of influences. Here are dance like rhythms of an eastern European nature, with particular reference to the robust ethnicity of Rumanian composer Enesco, through Celtic fiddle music and mysticism to Indian ragas and oriental soundscapes. Pounding ostinati and atmospheric drones are a central feature of many of the pieces but there are attempts to introduce jazz syncopation: when it occurs, however, it as a compositional element not a burst into freewheeling jazz style swing. “Chunky Chicken Cellos” and “The Right to Swing (a bit)” are such pieces whilst “Juggle “ is a lively caprice in which the cellos indulge in a fugal chase. Then there are pieces that seem to be heavily influenced by 20th century string music like the sombre Bartok tinged threnody “To Live is to Love”. Although the sleeve note identifies only two players the music is scored for cello quartet and it isn’t clear whether overdubbing is employed on some tracks or there are other unidentified players present-certainly someone doubles on percussion during the raga: whatever, the outcome is very successful and if you are an adventurous soul who fancies a change from mainline jazz here is a well recorded, generously timed disc of music that will intrigue and delight. Reviewed by Euan DixonOrder this CD