Clarinet Factory – Towers (Supraphon a.s., 2024)
Clarinet Factory’s latest release, Towers, emanates from the creative epicenter of Prague. Renowned globally for their groundbreaking interpretations of clarinet music, the Central European ensemble transcends boundaries, seamlessly mixing chamber music, folk, jazz, funk, and electronica.
Distinguished by their relentless pursuit of innovation, Clarinet Factory delivers a deeply satisfying set that highlights their mastery of instrumental composition. Towers marks a departure from their previous endeavor, Pipers (2020), as the ensemble places heightened emphasis on instrumental pieces. The lead single, “Obloha šedá” (The Grey Sky), stands as one of the album’s two lyrical compositions, highlighting the ensemble’s adept fusion of clarinets, drums, and loopers, with vocal elements serving as integral components of both melody and ambiance.
At the heart of the album’s sound lies the virtuosic contributions of guest musician Beata Hlavenková, whose nuanced performances on piano and Fender Rhodes infuse the compositions with rich, multifaceted. Collaborating once more with Clarinet Factory, Milan Cimfe of SONO Records Studio assumes a pivotal role in shaping the album’s overall sound, contributing drums, samples, and electronic elements.
“Towers is, above all, a three-side double LP and the program is adapted to that. Side one is more straightforward as it includes two songs and lively tunes. Side two is more of a trip to various sounds and genres, while side three is regarded by us as pausing in time and resting in a different universe. Those who buy the LP might feel these three moods gradually, while those who listen to the album as a whole in a digital format might experience an uninterrupted journey from movement to serenity…” explains band leader Jindřich Pavliš.
Noteworthy among the roster of collaborators is drummer Daniel Šoltis, whose longstanding partnership with the ensemble adds depth and dynamism to the ensemble’s music.
Musicians:
Clarinet Factory: Luděk Boura, Vojtěch Nýdl, Jindřich Pavliš, Petr Valášek on clarinets, electronics, loopers.
Guests: Beata Hlavenová on piano, Fender Rhodes; Milan Cimfe on drums, electronics, and percussion; and Daniel šoltis on drums.
Buy Towers.
Author: JGurski
