The Sex Lives Of Vegetables
Redshift, 2024
8/10
Listen to The Sex Lives Of Vegetables
The Vancouver pianist and artists Leslie Uyeda presents her first monograph recording, where poetry and contemporary, classical ideas unfolds with strong attention to detail.
The opening segment, The First Woman, starts with Rachel Kiyo Iwassa firm keys, where Heather Pawsey’s soaring pipes belt out poetry by Lorna Crozier, and Hahawo Shinobite follows with gentle keys and a distinct intimacy of beauty.
The title track is the longest portion, as 15 chapters unfold with AK Coope’s dreamy clarinet. “Tomatoes” showcases powerful singing amid the upbeat keys, while “Watermelons” is a rich and eloquent album highlight that’s melodic in nature. The album exits on “Radishes”, which radiates tremendous strength and diversity thanks to the flowing musicianship.
A highly colorful and dynamic effort, Uyeda’s vision is executed with much charm and both introverted and animated gestures.
Travels well with: Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush; Nova Pon- Symphonies Of Mother And Child