SUPER ALONE aka ROBIN NITRAM - Rêveries Sonores
www.robinnitrammusic.com
Robin Nitram (guitar)
Recorded live at 59 Rivoli, Paris;n.d given
This is an absorbing and ultimately satisfying set of improvisations from Paris based guitarist, Robin Nitram. Inspired as much by painting as music, Nitram sought to make a connection between the two disciplines and Rêveries Sonores is the result. In recording this music Nitram looked to play in places where music wasn't the main attraction, such as the art galleries that initially inspired the project. So with just his guitar and "a bunch of electronic stuff" Nitram plays solo improvisations that are perhaps anchored by the visual rather than the aural.
The analogy of colours and painting continues as the guitarist is at pains to texture the music carefully. There are no wild and extravagant splashes of colour, just cleverly layered and blended pastel shades. This should not imply that the music is nondescript or bland in any way. Quiet it may be, but this allows Nitram the time to explore the sound, timbre and spaces within the improvisations as they unfold. Indeed, t is the self-restraint and real time editing that makes the album such a delight.
Nitram does not seek to dazzle with virtuosic displays of technique, but plays purely what is needed to serve the music. The emphasis is very much on melody which unfolds organically, not a randomly conceived fragmented melodies within an improvisation but more as fragments of melody that are not dispensed with quickly to disappear into the air and gone forever, but that are nurtured and developed until complete. From the quietly yet constantly moving 'Cos' to the fragility of Bill Evans' 'Blue In Green' (the only non original on the album) and the ore forceful and persuasive 'Rêverie #3' it is easy to get carried along with Nitram's vision.
Somewhat of a cliché may be, but an album that really does reveal more on each and every hearing.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
www.robinnitrammusic.com
Robin Nitram (guitar)
Recorded live at 59 Rivoli, Paris;n.d given
This is an absorbing and ultimately satisfying set of improvisations from Paris based guitarist, Robin Nitram. Inspired as much by painting as music, Nitram sought to make a connection between the two disciplines and Rêveries Sonores is the result. In recording this music Nitram looked to play in places where music wasn't the main attraction, such as the art galleries that initially inspired the project. So with just his guitar and "a bunch of electronic stuff" Nitram plays solo improvisations that are perhaps anchored by the visual rather than the aural.
The analogy of colours and painting continues as the guitarist is at pains to texture the music carefully. There are no wild and extravagant splashes of colour, just cleverly layered and blended pastel shades. This should not imply that the music is nondescript or bland in any way. Quiet it may be, but this allows Nitram the time to explore the sound, timbre and spaces within the improvisations as they unfold. Indeed, t is the self-restraint and real time editing that makes the album such a delight.
Nitram does not seek to dazzle with virtuosic displays of technique, but plays purely what is needed to serve the music. The emphasis is very much on melody which unfolds organically, not a randomly conceived fragmented melodies within an improvisation but more as fragments of melody that are not dispensed with quickly to disappear into the air and gone forever, but that are nurtured and developed until complete. From the quietly yet constantly moving 'Cos' to the fragility of Bill Evans' 'Blue In Green' (the only non original on the album) and the ore forceful and persuasive 'Rêverie #3' it is easy to get carried along with Nitram's vision.
Somewhat of a cliché may be, but an album that really does reveal more on each and every hearing.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
