The latest album from Kevin Kastning (36-string Double Contraguitar, 28-string Double Contraguitar, 18-string Contraguitar, 17-string Subcontraguitar) finds him again working with Carl Clements (Tenor, Alto, and Soprano saxophones), but for the first time he has also involved Iranian clarinettist Soheil Peyghambari (Bass Clarinet, B♭ clarinet). Normally the recordings take place with the musicians in the same room, but with three different studios at play this time I am not sure how the recording was undertaken. Certainly, there are sections where the woodwind instruments combine in a manner which sound either scored or one has heard what the other has already performed and then adjusted their melody to match. Sound wise it feels as if some of this was rehearsed, others not, and then the three combined with the assistance of modern technology (and plenty of bandwidth) to record their parts when playing with each other in different geographical locations.

Carl and Soheil easily swap leads, combine on harmonies, take breaks to let the other shine, and then under it is all is Kevin providing the depth and colour which makes the sound far broader and more intense. He also knows when his role is to sit back and let the others play alone, so much so that with every participant fully understanding the need for space it feels at times as if there is a fourth musician in the room whose role is to provide the silence which allows everything else to shine more brightly. Soheil has easily fitted into the duo, with Carl and Kevin giving him every opportunity to be a full musical contributor as opposed to an outsider and the result is fluid, compelling and intriguing. As with all of Kevin’s albums, one never really knows what to expect apart from it will be interesting and fascinating and needs to be played on headphones and really listened to as opposed to becoming some background noise. By doing this one will be taken to a different musical world where musicianship and originality are valued, and that is certainly somewhere I wish to stay.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
http://www.kevinkastning.com/
https://carlclements.com/
https://www.instagram.com/soheil.peyghambari/
http://www.greydisc.com/