I went to a CD release party last week; the former owner of my needy cat put out a CD of bass clarinet music! It features several new works composed for Kathryn, several improvisations, and some pieces she composed herself. And: it was good!  She’s definitely one of the best bass clarinet players I’ve heard ever (not that I’ve heard so many), but what was really great was to see her improvise in groups.  There were four improvisations, each with a different ensemble, and each illustrated a really excellent group dynamic that allowed for some really great music to be made – none of the usual jacking-off onstage that characterizes stereotypical improv. The standout piece on the program (and on the CD) was The Down Low – an improv between Kathryn and Tom Bouda, a local bass player and composer. This was really fantastic, winding from one incredible colour combination to the next, with enough energy and change to keep me stimulated without being scattered.* There were also lots of great colours in the first improv, Further Reflection with Richard Burrows on marimba “and things”.

I liked the composed works quite a lot as well – Kathryn really knows her instrument (of course) and makes the most of its range and capabilities. I could really hear Richard Windeyer‘s influence in Open Strain – a piece for bass clarinet and electronics. Artoxinovix, once I got past the “this is my fantasy world” program note composer Dan Di Maggio wrote for it, was interesting, and the “performing with self from five years ago” side of Veronica Tapia‘s Ladano was trippy and fun.

A couple of things: in performance, the improvs that involved drumset and piano tended to feature a mostly-drowned-out bass clarinet (tragic!), and I would’ve liked to see the composed pieces mixed in a little better with the improvisation (similarly: solo b.clar. mixed up with ensemble) on the program, just to keep things even more interesting.

Anyway! It was a good concert, and (shockingly) the first CD release I’d ever been to. Way to go Kathryn! Nicely done. In other news: your CD cover makes me nostalgic for my sordid history with Christian Pop and I love it.

*…but I am a total colour nerd. Bass clarinet and bass harmonics? Bass clarinet harmonics with bass tremolo? bass clarinet slaptongue with bass pizzicato? AND SO MUCH MORE.