THE GUARDIAN: Also out this month
THE GUARDIAN: Also out this month
BY JOHN LEWIS
“The New York chamber sextet yMusic have become the go-to collaborators for experimentally minded pop performers in recent years, backing everyone from Paul Simon to the Staves and collaborating with artists as diverse as St Vincent, Bon Iver, Shara Worden and John Legend. Ecstatic Science (New Amsterdam Records) sees them commissioning new work from some of America’s top contemporary composers. It’s bookended with two pieces by Gabriella Smith (the pulsating Tessellations and the microtonal minimalism of Maré), and features a lengthy, episodic suite from Caroline Shaw that’s rich in architectural detail. Best of all is Missy Mazzoli’s title track, where Morse code woodwind splutters over keening string glissandos, like a balletic figure skater skidding around the rink but just about managing to stay on her feet.”