Gilles Peterson played a track off the latest Brad Mehldau album on Nonesuch a couple of weeks ago and whilst that is “pure” jazz, from the very start of Reich’s Daniel Variations there’s more “jazz” in modern classical than you might think. And don’t worry that there’s a Chorale involved. Even if Brad has had his flirtations with Renée Fleming, that’s nothing compared to the full choir with piano, vibes, marimba and strings that’s got its modal moments.

It’s like a rough version of the Cinematic Orchestra’s Live At The Albert Hall. Rough? Yeah, Rough as in dark and dangerous. Cinematic Orchestra’s leader, Jason Swinscoe uses soulful vocalist on his projects compared to this album of no lead singer and a full choir! At first, it seems the Choir are in battle with the musicians. And then, there’s something of the feel of Omen Soundtrack. And then, at it’s best, this album touches the ambient excellence of Eno’s classic Another Green World (Note to Ed, we must acknowledge Eno’s contribution to FLY Global Music at some stage; at least a bit more than his appearance with Rachid Taha at Bestival and being an original member of Roxy Music).

I digress. Fans of Phillip Glass, Michael Nyman or even Arthur Russell (at his more avant-garde period of Another Thought) will adore this album.

Highlights are the opener ‘I Saw A Dream’, ‘My Name Is Daniel Pearl’ and the transition (mix?) between the two with those magnificent strings. ‘Dream Fall Back’ it a bit of a plodder but it’s worth the wait for the finale ‘When The Day Is Done’ and with its repetitive vocal chant and lush strings. Conductor Gershon has previous hear as he also previously released Reich’s You Are (Variations) with the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 2005 and it’s high on my wants list now.

If you think a jump into this level of Reich a little too far even for Gareth Malone and Lancaster School, try and get the “Best of”, Reich Remixed (featuring Coldcut, Freq Nasty, DJ Spooky and many more) on Arthrob or even, Sonic Youth’s continuing series of their reinterpretations of modern classical works that they released on their own Sonic Youth Records (which has included Reich compositions; not bad for a band that’s just had a No. 1 with a cover of The Carpenters superstar!). Anyway, Steve Reich - Daniel Variations is the real thing but I can’t help wondering, what chance a Henrik Schwartz remix of ‘My Name Is Daniel Pearl’?

Produced by Judith Sherman (who has also worked with the Kronos Quartet) ends the album with the London Sinfonietta conducted by Alan Pierson. Peirson, if you like, has previously gone the other way and has dabbled in modern electronica with adaptations of tracks be Aphex Twin. On the last 3 tracks here, it’s just the vibes, piano and strings which you might say was light relief except it’s ‘Fast’!

This is a great album and one that just seems to get deeper as it can appeal to fans of avant-gardism or minimal techno (the repetition thing), African music, classical or cinematic fans; as the man Peterson would say, this joins the dots.

Reviewed: Steve Reich - Daniel Variations (Nonesuch) Cat. No. 400029 Release date: 8th April 2008 - Producer Judith Sherman
Daniel Variations (2006) Los Angeles Master Chorale, Conductor Grant Gershon
1. I Saw A Dream (6:25)
2. My Name Is Daniel Pearl (I’m A Jewish American From Encino California) (8:23)
3. Let The Dream Fall Back On The Dreaded (4:42)
4. I Sure Hope Gabriel Likes My Music, When The Day Is Done (10:10)
Variations for Vibes, Piano & Strings (2005) London Sinfonietta, Conductor Alan Pierson
1. Fast (11.35)
2. Slow (6:51)
3. Fast (3:33)

Links
www.stevereich.com
www.myspace.com/stevereichmusic
www.londonsinfonietta.org.uk
www.lamc.org
www.arthrob.co.uk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Pearl
www.danielpearl.org
www.myspace.com/sonicyouth SYR 7 : The seventh instalment of Sonic Youth’s series of experimental + sometimes instrumental releases will be available on April 22, 2008 in a vinyl-only edition self-released on the band’s own SYR label.
www.lancaster.leicester.sch.uk
Gilles Peterson :: 13 March 2008 :: Tracks from There Will Be Blood soundtrack
Brad Mehldau Trio - ‘B Flat Waltz’ (Nonesuch)
Jukes - ‘Something Important’ (Test)
J Rawls - ‘Lovers On A Stroll’ (Test)
Replife - ‘Change 4 A Dolla’ (Futuristica Records)
Electric Conversation - ‘Find Myself’ (Futuristica Records)