Once And Again
New Focus, 2020
8/10
A collection of chamber music from the always imaginative mind of Edward Smaldone, Once And Again recruits classical and modernist influences as soprano vocalists and top notch chamber players all contribute their respective talents across 5 compositions.
The album starts with the soprano, flute and harp of “Cantare di Amore”, where the 3 movements bring lush musicianship, dreamy melodies and plenty of rhythm from Tony Arnold, Helen O’Connor and June Han, and ‘‘Double Duo” follows with flute, clarinet, violin and cello interacting in a groove friendly setting where each instrument is highlighted splendidly.
In the middle, “Letters From Home” benefits greatly from Susan Narucki’s healthy pipes where dramatic keys and versatile flute complement the vivid storytelling, while “Sinfonia” exits the listen heavy on the strings as jazz ideas and dance rhythms populate the agile, orchestral climate.
A captivating effort that embodies the timeless spirit of not only chamber sounds but classical, orchestral and operatic sensibilities, too, Smaldone and company make the most of every second on this elegant and precise experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again.