9 of the best contemporary women composers<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> For range and and original concepts, Jamie Tweed\u2019s\u00a0Smooth Place, Cool Drink (Interlude I)<\/em>\u00a0enters an intriguing soundworld reminiscent of a floating 1940s dream, producing otherworldly sounds based on Jimmy Van Heusen\u2019s standard \u2018Here\u2019s That Rainy Day.\u2019 A second Interlude \u2013\u00a0Sit<\/em>\u00a0by Benny Vernon literally creates sound whilst the group are changing their playing position. Beginning with a timbre reminiscent of a South American rainmaker instrument \u2013 but actually created from sampled recordings of the quartet playing on chairs with random objects, the sound transitions into a harmonically static, meditative mood. The particular strengths of trombones in this are deeply explored; deliberate sliding around with the tuning and a big, fat sound at the bottom end.<\/p> Deliberate and fresh exploration unique to this set of instruments is what this ensemble is all about \u2013 producing uncompromising and outstandingly mastered dynamics, slide control, multiphonics and, at times, outrageously comical moments. The music unashamedly takes the listener through a kaleidoscope of circus tricks and sleights of hand, drawing on influences reminiscent of Gabrieli right up to contemporary composers.<\/p>
If only one thing is listened to on this recording, however, then it must surely be the ingenious\u00a0Hairy Pony Estampie<\/em>\u00a0by Alex Paxton. For virtuosity alone this is a piece to entertain audiences of any age, but there is so much more to it than that. Sounding as if it has been inspired by Bob Mintzer, the piece starts with a great big band template, but then progresses through a seemingly impossible ten-minute rollercoaster ride of sounds \u2013 including screamingly funny bombast, horse whinnying, vocals and such warm harmony. The scope of this creativity leads one to conclude that the answer to the group\u2019s final rhetorical question \u2018where are we going next?\u2019 is an exhilarating and thrilling ride. What a blast.\u00a0Anne Templer<\/em><\/p>