Backlighting cs556

A live recording of a subtle improvisation led by Portuguese violist Ernesto Rodrigues in a quartet with winds and brass--Paulo Curado on flute, Bruno Parrinha on soprano saxophone & bass clarinet, and Eduardo Chagas on alto trombone--each using understated approaches to their instruments using extended and unusual techniques, aptly titled but rewarding close listening. (Squidco)

Not a very typical album from Ernesto Rodrigues, since it is dominated by reeds. Ernesto is joined here exclusively by the winds players: Paulo Curado on flute, Bruno Parrinha on soprano saxophone and bass clarinet, and Eduardo Chagas on alto trombone. The quartet names itself Backlighting and plays a sensible tune, entitled "Backlighting", lasting over 42 minutes. Although there is only one string instrument (viola of Ernesto), the sound is very similar to typical Rodrigues' string ensembles. Paulo, Bruno and Eduardo produce namely a lot of alternative and fake sounds, so that the instruments remind me of completely other instruments, including string instruments. The mood is very peaceful, yet full of expression. For me, probably the most impressive are flute lines, but all the wind instruments have their necessary role. All together, another beautiful piece of music from Ernesto, recorded live in April 2018 at Linha de Sombra bookstore in Lisbon. Maciej Lewenstein