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to draw from numerous sources, but few ofthem from the 20th century — do I detecta snippet of Schubert at times? A touch ofFrench impressionism?This collection is a most welcome additionto the catalogue, and ample proof thatthere is much more to Nino Rota than whatwe’ve heard on the big screen during the last45 years. Bravo to all performers involved forsome fine music making.—Richard HaskellElżbieta Sikora – Solo and ElectronicsVarious ArtistsDUX 0679adux.pl!!The soundworldsof the four workscomposed by Polishborn Elżbieta Sikoraemerge in this albumout of the inspirationgenerated by thepoetry of ZbigniewHerbert. Through theskilful interweaving of instrumental and electroacoustictimbres, each piece is an evocativesonic image stimulated by Herbert’s words:a striding Orpheus-Apollo; a hesitant Nikebeckoning; a waking dream shimmering; acollection of stones distilling midair.Although celebrated in Europe, Sikora isrelatively unknown in this country, but if youlove listening to new sounds and are intriguedand curious about the electroacoustic genre,this CD offers music of breathtaking imaginationand compelling sonic textures. Eachpiece presents an interaction between asolo instrument — flute, cello, harpsichord,piano — and electronic sources generatedwithin a studio environment.This interaction takes varying forms: questionand answer, expression of opposite polarities,or one sonic plane enhanced by theother. And within each of the pieces, she hascarefully crafted various approaches to creatinga sense of open flexibility within the realmof a fixed time frame — always a compositionalchallenge with electroacoustic worksfor live players and pre-recorded electronics.Even though the pieces were created over aperiod of 25 years, at no time do you feel as ifthe older technologies used are a limitation.In fact, quite the opposite. Each piece offers awindow into a rich and diverse sonic language,and is full of dramatic vigour and intensity.Definitely a composer worth discovering.—Wendalyn Bartleyalbum in five years,Night is a return tocollaboration withthe bandmates ofthe last two decadesthat helped establishher as the fine songinterpreter she is. Sopianist and arranger,Aaron Davis, David Piltch on bass, sax andreed player John Johnson and drummerDavide Direnzo are the core players andprovide clever nuanced support throughout.The theme of the album isn’t obviously representedby the song titles as not an “evening”or “night” song is to be found. But there’s awee-small-hours-of-the-morning feel thatpermeates throughout.The opening tune sets the tone as thegroup eases through a languid You Only LiveTwice with dreamy pedal steel courtesy ofGreg Leisz. Then we’re led through a range ofstories courtesy of some well-known songwriterslike Tom Waits (the swampy WalkAway) and others a little more obscure butno less poignant, like Danny O’Keefe (GoodTime Charlie’s Got the Blues). Even when theenergy gets kicked up, as it does on Viva LasVegas — complete with 60s style horns anda smokin’ flute solo from John Johnson —there’s an appealing coolness that pervades.Cole and her band’s tune-picking abilities andpowers of interpretation are in abundance onNight and fans will not be disappointed.—Cathy RichesMasterclass: Holly Cole will be joining theclinicians at the Jazz On The Mountain atBlue festival July 5 to present her own classon “the art of the voice and the bass.”bluemountainjazzfest.comOffsetKyle Brenders Quartet18th Note Records 18-2012-2kylebrenders.ca!!Proficient in both improvised and notatedmusic, clarinettist/saxophonist Kyle Brendershas become a known commodity on thelocal music scene and this bang-up disc aptlydemonstrates his elevated compositionaland playing standards.Workingthrough a programof eight somewhatbouncy always quirkyBrenders’ originalshe’s helped immeasurablyby the cohesive,multi-faceted soloingof trombonist Steve Ward, Tomas Bouda’sunobtrusive yet sturdy bass line and the everinventivedrumming of Mark Segger.Working with motifs which referencebrassy marching band music while utilizingextended instrumental techniques,the result is sophisticated without everbecoming esoteric. Segger and Ward are keysto this strategy. On a tune such as Porlockfor instance, the trombonist constructsa jolting solo out of mid-range plungerimpulses and smooth capillary extensions asBrenders’ soprano saxophone exposes quiveringmultiphonics. Meanwhile the themeis repeated at intervals with tremolo fluttersfrom both, centred by the bassist. With Whiskit’s blustering puffs and slurs from the ‘boneman that hold the line as the composer onbass clarinet cascades split tones a cappellafrom subterranean to altissimo and is thenjoined by the drummer’s ruffs and reboundsfor a stop-time ending. Terrace, on the otherhand, is Segger’s showcase, as metallic clinks,castanet-like snaps and wood-block smacksmove upfront. At the same time his pops andpitter-patters underline the theme, whichcorrespondingly vibrates by parallel clarinetand trombone lines.Far along in his synthesis of other influences,which include composer AnthonyBraxton’s eclecticism, the sax-and-trombonecentredNew York Art Quartet and a craftysubversion of Cool Jazz’s thin and subtleharmonies with raucous trombone blats andcontrapuntal saxophone glossolalia, Brendersis a noteworthy Toronto talent, with this CD adefinitive showcase of his varied skills.—Ken WaxmanConcert Note: On June 22 the KyleBrenders Quartet is in concert at the MusicGallery along with New York saxophonistMatana Roberts.JAZZ & IMPROVISEDNightHolly ColeRumpus Room Records 3716101hollycole.com!!Singer Holly Cole continues her stylishways with her latest release. Her first studioMontreal pianist OliverJones announced his retirementat age 65 back in2000, but returned to performingshortly thereafter. Since then he’smade a further contribution tothe swing quotient of Canadianjazz, for Jones has a devotionStuart Broomerto rhythmic propulsion secondonly to Oscar Peterson. A certainresemblance may be inevitable:Jones grew up in the sameLittle Burgundy neighbourhood ofMontreal where he studied pianowith OP’s sister, Daisy PetersonSweeney. Josée Aidans appears asthewholenote.com June 7 – September 7, 2013 | 89