Thollem

Keepsake from US keyboardist Thollem Mcdonas’ 2021 European tour, these four extended performances pinpoint how the peripatetic performer expresses himself differently depending on the instrument. The solo piano tracks which bookend the disc find him utilizing every portion of the instrument, with artfully blended, unique Free Jazz and Chance Music references. The two middle tracks are more problematic. Although there’s no denying the skill in which he extracts uncommon wave forms and sequencing from the Korg Wavestate, the variety of effects available sometimes overwhelms dialectic.

Piano tracks “Assorted Selves” and “TheWayToTheWayToTheWay” are also distinctive in that the first is more concerned with moderated pianism and the other with dazzling prestissimo runs. Also featuring story-telling interludes, “Assorted Selves” moves among stopped-key percussion, repeated motifs and near-Baroque passages. At points vibrating asides from inner piano strings, capotes and the soundboard plus airy or hardened keyboard plunks keep the linear output responsive as well as robust. With multiple textures seemingly crammed into every line, the other piano track is more audacious. While driving crammed glissandi up the scale, key clips and measured patterns interject enough variety so pressurized interface doesn’t overwhelm the exposition.

That sometimes happens with the synthesizer-driven tracks however. Aware of the synthesizer’s versatility both improvisations have their share of adagio rumbles, andante vibrations and super speedy tremolo whooshes. These sound washes are further pockmarked with backwards running flanges, metallic spiccato and shattering video-game like noises.  Overall though it’s those few detours into organ-like funkiness or a stop-time Spanish-inflected refrain which demonstrates man’s triumph over machine. Cutting through buzzing vibrations and whistling tingles, these motifs would actually be impressive on their own.

Always full of surprises, Mcdonas shows his acoustic mastery here and suggests future avenues for creating superlative sounds from the electronic universe.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Assorted Selves 2. I Put My Shadow On The Wall 3. Cruising The Mystic Whole 4. TheWayToTheWayToTheWay

Personnel: Thollem Mcdonas (piano or synthesizer)