HARRY CHRISTELIS / PEDRO VELASCO - Scribbling
Ubuntu Music UBO0095CD
Harry Christelis (guitar); Pedro Velasco (guitar)
Recorded December 2020
I first encountered guitarist, Harry Christelis with the release of the Moostak Trio a couple of years ago. Greatly impressed by his subtle use of electronics, and clean lines that would allow his improvisations o flow effortlessly, here was a talent to watch. Although somewhat hindered by the pandemic, and no doubt bolstered by the acclaim of the Trio album, in December 2020 Christelis was back in the studio, this time with fellow guitarist Pedro Velasco.
The resulting music is quite different as one expect, but retains a similarity in timbre and feel that shows the emergence of a solid conceptual idea to his playing that, on the evidence of this recording, he was right to follow. If you are looking at the line-up and expecting to hear some guitar pyrotechnics then think again. The music is thoughtful and provocative, gentle and lyrical, atmospheric and engaging , and often in hushed tones.
The use of electronics can be heard to fine effect in the enigmatic 'Nos Entretantos de Silênci', and the beguiling 'Pauls' Closet' composed by Valesco, and the mercurial 'LD12' by Christelis but it is the quieter and reflective compositions that constantly draw my attention. These pieces demand and elicit a very different ambience, as opposed to ambient, feeling to proceedings. 'Time' is a beautiful composition and delivered as if time is suspended, and the music unfolds at an unhurried pace that allows every note to be heard and felt clearly, with enough space around each to absorb the impact and relationship to the melody.
This seemingly slowing down of time is a major attraction of the album. No virtuosic displays, just melody' This is captured to perfection in the delightful and playful dialogue of 'Gin', and the deceptively titled 'Wild Coast' that has a feeling of pent up and supressed emotion that gives the piece a delicious tension.
However, the music is not all about low key tension and quiet reflection as the three short free improvisations that are threaded into the fabirc of the music attest. Interludes that are fleeting that hint at another side of the duo's music that is yet to be fully explored, short bursts of energy that come through to disrupt the otherwise pensive nature of the album.
Christelis and Velasco have been developing their music over a period of time, following a concert in Portugal in 2016. This musical relationship has flourished out a mutual love for improvised music and the free flowing interaction that is presented on this wonderful set with intimacy and attention to detail, and comes highly recommended whether you are a guitar buff or just simply enjoy intimate and communicative music between two kindred spirits.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Ubuntu Music UBO0095CD
Harry Christelis (guitar); Pedro Velasco (guitar)
Recorded December 2020
I first encountered guitarist, Harry Christelis with the release of the Moostak Trio a couple of years ago. Greatly impressed by his subtle use of electronics, and clean lines that would allow his improvisations o flow effortlessly, here was a talent to watch. Although somewhat hindered by the pandemic, and no doubt bolstered by the acclaim of the Trio album, in December 2020 Christelis was back in the studio, this time with fellow guitarist Pedro Velasco.
The resulting music is quite different as one expect, but retains a similarity in timbre and feel that shows the emergence of a solid conceptual idea to his playing that, on the evidence of this recording, he was right to follow. If you are looking at the line-up and expecting to hear some guitar pyrotechnics then think again. The music is thoughtful and provocative, gentle and lyrical, atmospheric and engaging , and often in hushed tones.
The use of electronics can be heard to fine effect in the enigmatic 'Nos Entretantos de Silênci', and the beguiling 'Pauls' Closet' composed by Valesco, and the mercurial 'LD12' by Christelis but it is the quieter and reflective compositions that constantly draw my attention. These pieces demand and elicit a very different ambience, as opposed to ambient, feeling to proceedings. 'Time' is a beautiful composition and delivered as if time is suspended, and the music unfolds at an unhurried pace that allows every note to be heard and felt clearly, with enough space around each to absorb the impact and relationship to the melody.
This seemingly slowing down of time is a major attraction of the album. No virtuosic displays, just melody' This is captured to perfection in the delightful and playful dialogue of 'Gin', and the deceptively titled 'Wild Coast' that has a feeling of pent up and supressed emotion that gives the piece a delicious tension.
However, the music is not all about low key tension and quiet reflection as the three short free improvisations that are threaded into the fabirc of the music attest. Interludes that are fleeting that hint at another side of the duo's music that is yet to be fully explored, short bursts of energy that come through to disrupt the otherwise pensive nature of the album.
Christelis and Velasco have been developing their music over a period of time, following a concert in Portugal in 2016. This musical relationship has flourished out a mutual love for improvised music and the free flowing interaction that is presented on this wonderful set with intimacy and attention to detail, and comes highly recommended whether you are a guitar buff or just simply enjoy intimate and communicative music between two kindred spirits.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
