Plucked & Struck
Neuma, 2024
8/10
An assembly of music that recruits Celtic (lever) harp and small percussion, the trio of Percussia highlights the work of 8 composers for these distinct 14 tracks.
Sunny Knable’s “Envelop(e)” opens with Ingrid Gordon’s skilled xylophone alongside pretty Celtic harp from Susan Jolles, and “Avalokiteshvara” follows with a quicker and rhythmic presence via the bright percussion in the Lou Harrison selection.
Further along, Seth Bedford’s “A Year In New York” offers a bright and melodic moment of glowing harp dynamics, while “The Lady Rich, Her Galliard” resonates meticulous mallet use on the xylophone across the John Dowland track.
Vocals appear on 2 tracks, both of which are late. Samuel Milligan’s “Cuando El Rey Nimrod al Compo Salia” allows for Melissa Fogarty’s soprano to shine amid the rich delivery, and Carlo Nicolau’s “Life” exits with the xylophone and harp interacting in playful and harmonic gestures.
An effort that’s indebted to New York City, all the players and most of the composers originate there, and the exciting and diverse ideas present sure do align with the pulse of the city and embraces plenty of classical spirit.
Travels well with: Bryan Hayslett- Cello Unlocked; Matt Malsky- A Dill Pickle