Music Review: Christine Burke - Something kept close : outdoor music
Christine is an old friend from college who, as I remember, has always been fascinated with new music. She has a passion for exploring new things musically and integrating improvisation into her works. "Something kept close : outdoor music" is comprised of three pieces that work well together while maintaining their own identities.
The title track "Somewhere kept close (for Dave & Janet)" presents the sounds of the Iowa outdoors with the drones of a 50's Choral-brand organ. The end result resembles a stripped down Beast Nest track cutting in and out as you listen in the outdoors.
As I write this, it occurs to me that the previous sentence may well be applicable to the whole album, although the instrumentation changes, with the Christine Burke Ensemble playing the latter two pieces.
"[r]amp work" utilizes various traditional classical instruments, with each ensemble member also playing an "object." Both instruments and "objects" take a prominent role throughout the track, going back and forth in an ebb and flow of music and noise. I'll admit, it made my brain feel fuzzy.
The final track "Phosphoresce in sympathy" features the ensemble with a slightly different instrumentation. The insects give away that this recording was likely done in the evening hours. One in particular is so prominent and rhythmic it practically earned a place in the liner notes! But I digress. This piece is smooth and forgiving, especially in contrast with the previous two tracks. While still a sincere sonic exploration, the timbres are warmer, and the objects sound less "object-y". It brings on some more complex feelings, while maintaining a relationship to pleasantness.
Overall, this album feels complete, cohesive, and a worthy contribution to the conversation of what music is and can be. Christine as always been a forward thinking musician, and after listening to this album I expect that tendency will continue.
Check out Christine Burke's music and performance schedule at https://www.burkechristine.com/.
