Reviews

This…is possibly one of my albums of the year, purely because it’s so engrossing; like watching the sea, there’s something new every time you listen.

immediately listenable…Lumaret is an expressive player

This is an intriguing album…warmth of sound…and the lyrics tell engrossing stories.

…gentle…warm harmonies and a sense of joy…enjoyable.

The composer’s kaleidoscopic imagination is everywhere apparent, not least in the equally variegated range of sounds to be heard here. It is a breathtaking release. 

the stylistic range of the release is incredibly broad…For me, this is an advantage…Therefore, all that’s left for us to do is get to know Lance Hulme, admire his creativity, and enjoy this extraordinary release.

A welcome and most intriguing release…a wide-ranging introduction to a largely unknown legacy. 

She really knows how to make Kapustin’s melodic lines and rhythms swing, but is equally sensitive to the reflective sultry sides of his musical expression…there is much to enjoy on this vividly recorded disc, the ultimate highlight being the exhilarating Paraphrase on Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Manteca’ for two pianos, where Gordon has recorded both piano parts to brilliant effect.

A commendable introduction to the rich variety of Heaton’s writing, supported by strong performances from the soloists.

…when adapting Verdi, he does it via the spirit of Cecil Taylor…you’ll find dense fireworks as well as tenderness

…this new double album devoted to a wonderfully uncompromising composer is very welcome…every time Finnissy appears to be leaning towards tradition…he veers off somewhere else rewardingly.

one is amazed at how deadly courageous and straightforwardly she punches the…material into the Steinway, which is nevertheless very present, as if she deliberately wanted to set herself apart from all the plush club atmosphere…a strong plea for a still underestimated genius who has opened up completely new worlds for the “classical” piano repertoire.

Hao’s music is…exciting…gorgeously transparent performances…dazzling control…performed with conviction, beauty and imagination.

This is one of those releases where performer and label have spared no effort to do justice to a composer…Ian Pace takes us on an absorbing journey…I’ve heard enough to say unequivocally that this release should be essential listening for anyone interested in contemporary piano writing.

Gordon’s prowess comes into…focus…an encapsulation with few peers…’Manteca’ Paraphrase…exudes a panache of which Dizzy Gillespie would surely have approved…her belief in this music is its own justification and makes this recital well worth investigating.

This album kicks off in fine style…Lesser’s performance foregrounds the intrinsic musicality of speech…thought-provoking

…a fine, intelligently programmed, eloquently played debut on disc with an intriguing premise

…engrossing…Although the four pieces here are different in important ways, they all share a linear sense of energy…I found the music to be pretty in its modernistic way…engaging.

Estrellita is an excellent release…a lovely look at a musical world that is largely unknown to all too many people outside Spain or Latin America.

This release is a must for any art song aficionado…truly a top recommendation for those who want to explore some fantastic Spanish songs with performances to match.