Marcello Magliocchi/Neil Metcalfe/Paul Wacrenier

A first time interaction among a trio of improvisers from different countries Ritual for Expansion shows how rapidity they can work out a profound connection in a live setting. All are plainly experienced in similar situations: Italian drummer Marcello Magliocchi with the London Improvisers Orchestra; flutist Neil Metcalfe with The Runcible Quintet; and French pianist Paul Wacrenier with The Healing Unit. In a recital situation with a transverse instrument the single horn though they must be wary of ambient sound resemblances. Luckily rugged dynamics negate New Age resemblances.

Bell snaps and whapping drum pressure plus kinetic keyboard chording quickly help mutate the flutist’s peeping melody introduction from lyrical to potent tongue buzzes and high-pitched shrills that connect with percussion rumbles. Humor is there as well, with Metcalfe’s quoting “London Bridge is Falling Down” during an interlude. By the concluding “Ritual of the Unknown” a Jazz-like motif is established, melding piano dynamics, hi-hat claps and edge-blowing trills that eventually slow down to collective tension release. Still the heart of the program is expressed in the mid-section elaboration of “Ritual for Expansion on the Wing of a Song in 9/8” and the following “The Flight of Breaths and Voices”. Sporadic flute twitters and stretches that emphasizing the piano’s highest pitches propels the allegro line. It becomes more percussive and barbed as Magliocchi’s idiophone strategy moves from nerve beats to ratcheting echoes. As a churning narrative is established and then muted, its function is further emphasized as the sighs and murmurs of accompanying dancers Christiana Fusillo and Dana Schachtner are faintly heard. A one-off at this time, Ritual for Expansion’s connective power suggest an encore is needed.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Ritual Before and After the Rain 2. Ritual for Expansion on the Wing of a Song in 9/8 3. The Flight of Breaths and Voices 4. Interlude before Dawn 5. Ritual of the Unknown

Personnel: Neil Metcalfe (flute); Paul Wacrenier (piano and mbira); Marcello Magliocchi (drums) and Christiana Fusillo, Dana Schachtner (dance)