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Reviews

L'Ensemble Rayé — Vis-à-Vis Movers Dance Company
(Les Disques Rayés 004, 2001, CD)

Vis-à-Vis Movers Dance Company Cover art

This work was commissioned for a dance company (it might be the 'Bop with Biggles Dance Company' but don't hold me to that), and it's performed live with the troupe, although the disc version was recorded in the studio. L'Ensemble Raye is a chamber folk / avant garde band from Sweden consisting of alto sax / alto horn / percussion, guitar / bass, tenor guitar / sitar, bass clarinet / clarinet / wood blocks, and guitar / ukulele / spoons. Percussion and bass are definitely accents throughout the disc rather than dominant rhythmic forces, placing the emphasis on lean chamber arrangements. Eastern European folk music is the starting point, beginning with a couple of dances with sax and clarinets melodicizing over ukulele and double bass on "Nina," and guitars strumming droning chords on "Procession et Dance." The dance elements are gradually phased out for less conventional arrangements, which vary a good deal from song to song, yet the disc maintains a definite continuity. They have an interesting knack for indulging in almost amusical ideas and sounds, but just in the right doses to remain involving yet peaceful. "Kaleidescope" undoubtedly leaves a taste of Philharmonie, while the very cool and full "Flammes & Co." makes a liar out of me with its persistent layers of percussion and nice bass line, all dressed in ambiguously ethnic garb. A very pleasant disc.

by Mac Beaulieu, Published 2002-04-01

This is L’Ensemble Raye’s fifth release and it shows the band in a playful mood as usual. As the title implies, this music was composed as the score to accompany a dance performance. Woodwind and brass instruments dominate the sound, which gives the proceedings the flavor of a well-behaved Henry Cow. The Swiss band has a quirky element that at times reminds the listener of Samla Mammas Manna, and also a sense of cleverness and interplay that are slightly reminiscent of vintage Gentle Giant. A final comparison is the classic Ellington band thanks to some woodwind slurs and a sly sense of humor. Guitar and bass (but no drums) augment the sound, which makes for an interesting combination. Ace guitarist Cedric Vuille takes a low profile on most of the pieces, apparently to focus on the ensemble’s sound. L’Ensemble Raye uses touches of dissonance in places but overall this is a melodic sound that is tightly orchestrated. The music certainly stands on it’s own merits, but if would be fascinating to see it performed live in conjunction with the dancers. Overall this is yet another fascinating release by this intriguing Swiss ensemble.

by David Ashcraft, Published 2002-04-01

This Swiss outfit has been with us for over fifteen years, although their releases on the AYAA label and more recent soundtrack work have generally not been well known. High time for a roundtable then! This music was commissioned by the MOVERS Dance Company, and as such the full work is presumably best appreciated in the presence of the dancers. Frankly, though, apart from a necessary episodic quality which can make things jarringly abrupt at times, the music stands up quite well on its own. Using a wide array of instruments and toys with a formidable woodwind presence, the Ensemble navigates through Eastern-European folk stylings and old-school RIO passages with the kind of seasoned finesse that only established groups like this seem to possess. It’s hard to picture an Ensemble release which is not playful, but much like the best work of Lars Hollmer or Marc Hollander it’s more bittersweet whimsy than carefree show-and-tell. Not any less joyous, just less blatant about it. With thirteen short pieces nothing ever overstays its welcome, and there are enough ideas to sustain the momentum for forty minutes. This may not rock your socks off, but it’s a sumptuous offering from an impressive group of musicians, and it’s hard to be down on that.

by Sean McFee, Published 2002-04-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 24, 2001 releases

Related artist(s): Cédric Vuille, L'Ensemble Rayé

 

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