THE CLARINETS

Chris Speed's new imprint Skirl Records unfurls with a momentous release from a powerhouse clarinet trio. Collectively known as The Clarinets [which is also the name of the record], the trio features Chris Speed on clarinet, Anthony Burr on bass clarinet, while Oscar Noriega doubles up on both instruments. Their sound is that of a gently moving steam train. It's the hollowed-out sound of an engine that is slowly revving up, building up momentum, which then explodes. I wouldn't call these improvisations pretty, though there is a stark element of beauty in them. The way the two bass clarinets wrap themselves around a soloing clarinet is ear-opening. Trio explores harmony as well as tonal differences all to good effect. On "Languor", the mass resembles a medieval church organ, while "Televiewer" is a spooky soundtrack to a horror film scene. Individual peeps and squeaks pop in and out of the woodwork, read more...