Patricia Brennan

Patricia Brennan knows what to do with stardom and it’s not what you expect. Instead of the widely praised vibraphonist taking on star trappings, her interest in constellations is strictly astronomical. An amateur astronomer, Of the Near and Far’s seven compositions were created after Brennan developed a process that allowed her to translate night sky observation into musical symmetry so that this mapping became her compositions’ raw material.

Not that you need an interest in astronomy to appreciate the results. Besides her expertise on vibes and marimba Brennan is aided by Sylvie Courvoisier (piano); Miles Okazaki (guitar); Kim Cass (bass); John Hollenbeck (percussion); Arktureye (electronics); Modney and Pala Garcia (violins); Kyle Armbrust (viola) and Michael Nicolas (cello) with sections conducted by Eli Greenhoe.

Paramountly group music, themes are usually expressed by the vibist or sometimes by the pianist, amplified or doubled by guitar licks, underlined by bass and drum accents and occasionally programmed drones, with the strings either adding harmonic accompaniment or intense connections.

While the ensemble can produce warmer and more intimate expressions that touch on straightforward swing and Laytin tinctures, referencing the vibist’s Mexican roots, more of the sounds may not be as far out as some stars, but are more buoyant than down to earth. Still, varied tempos on a tune like “Aquila” for instance that contrast measured metal bar pops with string squeaks and pressure may quicken the exposition but not prevent linear movement.

More generally sonically mapping these constellations involves carefully balance among most of the instruments. Although electronics are rarely heard, string, while section cushioning is obvious, the result is more often expressive than elementary. Furthermore antiphony between the vibist’s up front plinks and either keyboard clips or guitar sweeps on tunes such as “Aquarius” often leads to lyrical expositions.

Astrological interpretations have fascinated musicians for years, including Mary Lou Williams and Sun Ra. Though lacking a horn section may make Of the Near and Far less punchy than some of Brennan’s more recent live concerts, the music here while not quite heavenly successfully applies the solar system’s star arrangement to create distinctive timbres.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Antlia 2. Aquarius  3. Andromeda 4. Citlalli 5. Lyra 6. Aquila 7. When You Stare Into The Abyss

Personnel: Sylvie Courvoisier (piano); Miles Okazaki (guitar); Patricia Brennan (vibraphone with electronics, marimba); Kim Cass (bass); John Hollenbeck (drums and percussion); Arktureye (electronics); Modney and Pala Garcia (violin); Kyle Armbrust (viola); Michael Nicolas (cello); Eli Greenhoe (conductor)