Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Marty Walker — Dancing on Water
(Cold Blue CB0005, 2001, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2005-09-01

Dancing on Water Cover art Marty Walker has been a contributing member to the Cold Blue catalog for several years. Appearing as the label clarinetist he has added the occasional melodic interval here and there to recordings by Jim Fox and Daniel Lentz among others. Dancing on Water is a sampling of seven pieces where Walker’s playing has been prominent in creating many pastel moments in serene soundscapes. The opening cut sets the tone for the collection: Michael Jon Fink’s “As Is Thought/Aurora,” where clarinet doubles a vibes line before fading into a quiet solo phrase. On Daniel Lentz’ piece “Song(s) for the Sirens,” Walker provides a rooted counterpoint to both Bryan Pezzone’s piano flourishes and Amy Knoles’ subtle vocal prose. On Jim Fox’s song “Among Simple Shadows,” the clarinetist carries a heavy melodic burden in part shared by Wada Leo Smith’s whole note tones. Michael Byron’s “Elegant Detours” provides a freer reign for flitting bass clarinet lines to serpentine across a silent water backdrop. The remaining four pieces comprise “On Tuesday” written by Rick Cox and featuring bass clarinet against contra bass clarinet. Part one drones on in a dreary mode with the two players slowly building a droll setting. Part two is a short transitional track that blends into part three where the duets turn less sour and sad. Part four offers no major resolution however for the two part harmonies. Overall Walker’s contribution to his label mate’s sense of mood and tone has been essential to these songs delivery.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 32, 2001 releases

Related artist(s): Marty Walker

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.