Peter Margasak, Reader staff writer
Ensemble Pamplemousse, Raanna Jedaku Hearing this New York composers’ collective perform its own works this summer brought its experimental aesthetic to life for me—in its music, the absurd dances with the sublime, and playfulness collides with rigor. The seven pieces on this 2011 double CD have greater resonance now that I’ve seen Pamplemousse’s charisma in the flesh.
Doug Perkins, percussionist
Joey Baron Joey Baron’s drumming is a constant inspiration and obsession for me. Joey makes a traditional four-piece drum kit sing with infinite melodic and timbral possibilities. He is so tasty! Do yourself a favor and find some of his solo playing online. Even though I rarely play the drum kit these days, I still aspire to bring a little bit of Baron with me whenever I perform.
Trevor Wishart God knows how I’d missed him till now, but Trevor Wishart, who looks like a geezer you’d find in a Yorkshire pub, has produced some of the most interesting sound art of the past 40 years. He splices together human, animal, and natural sounds to tell bizarre and whimsical tales that are beautifully composed and totally compelling. I listen to each new piece with the eager anticipation of an explorer, not sure where the journey will lead but confident it’ll be a fascinating ride.
