Gnosis

Description

In this vivid and exciting project, released simultaneously on CD and vinyl, the Santiago-raised and New York-based pianist-composer David Virelles looks towards one melting pot from the vantage point of another.

A far-reaching work with deep cultural roots, Gnosis speaks of transculturation and traditions, and of the complex tapestry of Cubas music the sacred, the secular, and the ritualistic but the works shapes and forms could only have been created by a gifted contemporary player thoroughly versed in the art of the improvisers. Strings, woodwinds and percussion all have their roles to play in Gnosis, viewed by Virelles as several families functi oning within one unit: this dynamic symbolizes multi cultural interaction.

Virelles responsive piano and the vocals and percussion of Román Díaz, a profound fi gure in the transmission of Afro-Cuban musical history, are at the centre of the action. Gnosis was recorded at New Yorks Avatar Studios in May 2016 and produced by Manfred Eicher.

Personnel: David Virelles (piano, marímbula, vocals); Román Díaz (lead vocals and percussion bonkó enchemiyá, ekón, nkomos, erikundi, itones, nkaniká, marímbula, claves, mayohuacán, pilón, carapacho de jicotea, coconut shells); Allison Loggins-Hull (piccolo, fl ute); Rane Moore (clarinet, bass clarinet); Adam Cruz (percussion steel pan, claves); Alex Lipowski (percussion orchestral bass drum, temple blocks, bongos, gong); Matt hew Gold (percussion marimba, glockenspiel); Mauricio Herrera (percussion ekón, nkomos, erikundi, claves); Thomas Morgan (double bass); Yunior Lopez (viola); Christi ne Chen (violoncello); Samuel DeCaprio (violoncello); Melvis Santa, Mauricio Herrera (vocals)