Very Interesting 2021

The saxophone, especially the alto saxophone, is not necessarily a very busy instrument in the symphony orchestra. However, in addition to its formative tracks in jazz, in quite a few cases it has also left sound traces in the field of so-called "classical music" that are worth listening to. These traces are followed by the CD "Gravity Groove" by the Finnish saxophonist Joonatan Rautiola. In addition to an interesting arrangement detour to Mozart's "Kegelstatt Trio", it also brings to life impressionistic or neo-classical gems such as Claude Debussy's Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone and Paule Maurice's Tableaux de Provence. With Charles Wuorinen's Divertimento and the title sonata by Tuomas Turriago, "Gravity Groove", Rautiola enters contemporary sound spheres with virtuosity and tonal refinement.

An imaginative, avant-garde style offering from Lord Of The Ants that combines his trademark cinematic electronica style with classical influences to create music that is both thematic and very atmospheric. The music is complex and intriguing with strong contemporary rhythms, nice deep basses and interesting soundscapes that remain full of form, structure and anticipation without ever venturing into the experimental. This is coupled with beautifully complex arrangements and excellent piano alongside great synth work and searing guitar. Lord Of The Ants continues to produce a multifarious musical style that is quite fascinating, incorporating musical styles ranging from Tangerine Dream and Vangelis to Moby and Boards of Canada. Add to that the alluring abstract themes and it is music to make us think.