Taxonomy is an italian trio of Elio Martusciello, Graziano Lella and Roberto Fega. 10 Taxonomical Movements is their second release. Again this is an exploration in techniques and structures on a very abstract level, avoiding much intellectual blah blah. The first piece is called Ouverture, the last one Epilogue, suggesting an unity between the 10 pieces. Tracks in between carry titles as Adagio, Andante and Crescendo. A piece like Crescendo — Maestoso I like most because of the dramatic impact. Solenne — Vivo is a mysterious sounding piece with deep drones, completed with other sound material. Each piece is structured differently from the others. Another difference, in Tranquillo — con fuoco laptops and electronics dominate, in Larghetto — appassionato (tema) conventional instruments are preferred. All this makes it a varied CD.

Disparition de l’usine éphémère is a first collaboration between Philippe Lauzier (alto sax, clarinet), Pierre-Yves Martel (viola da gamba), Kim Myhr (acoustic guitars) and Martin Tétreault (recordplayers). Surprising it is to hear a viola da gamba in such a modern undertaking. We hear long sustained tones combined with chaotic scratchy sounds from guitars and viola da gamba. In their long extended groups improvisations they successfully combine old and new instruments. The musicians share a common approach. Speaking the same language of sound and noise they develop several fantastic musical conversations.

Face à la dérive is a soundportrait of the Saint-Laurent river, painted by four young musicians that are new for me: Sébastien Cirotteau, Brigitte Lacasse, Catherine S Massicote and Éric Normand. They made field recordings along this big river, including voices of people who live close to it. These recordings play a dominant role in the two lenghty pieces on this CD. Besides we hear small musical structures played on acoustic instruments as piano, accordion, violin, bass, etc. For my ears this combination did not always work. But it is an engaging piece of work if you are interested in how to evoke an environment in a sound work.

The next Mercredimusics will feature Lori Freedman and Malcolm Goldstein on March 25, 2009, at Casa Obscura in Montréal.

As part of its “Concerts/Album Launch” series, Productions SuperMusique, in collaboration with DAME, proudly present Antoine Berthiaume and Elliott Sharp, an impressive duo whose music blends together soundwaves reminiscent of Xenakis’ architectures and intensities. An incandescent trio comprising Philippe Lauzier, Pierre-Yves Martel and Martin Tétreault will open the evening with poetic and textural music evoking the sonic atmosphere of a derelict factory. Come celebrate the release of BASE and Disparition de l’usine éphémère, two new titles in the Ambiances Magnétiques catalogue. The concert will take place on Wednesday March 25, 2009, at La Sala Rossa in Montréal.

In this exclusive interview, Antoine Berthiaume talks about his newest album BASE with Elliott Sharp.