From Grimsby to Milan
Gayle Young; Robert Wheeler
Farpoint Recordings fp104 (farpoint.bandcamp.com/album/from-grimbsy-to-milan)
From Grimsby to Milan is six avant-garde experimental, eclectic, at times loud/stormy, instrumental improvisations. Canadian composer, multi-instrumentalist, author and instrument designer Gayle Young (Grimsby, ON) plays her invention, the acoustic Amaranth, a microtonal zither that features 21 steel strings and 3 double-bass strings using a mix of guitar tuning pegs and triangular wooden bridges for tuning. American Robert Wheeler (Milan, OH), former Pere Ubu band synthesist, plays the electronic 1960s analogue synthesizer EML Electrocomp 101. Young and Wheeler first collaborated in a 2008 Toronto performance. This release was recorded in spring 2024 at Hamilton’s Grant Avenue Studios.
It may be difficult for some to enjoy this music but give it a try! Seaweed Slowly Shifting starts with single held notes, ripples, and high notes, then Young playing softer with pizzicato. More electronic louder held “in tune,” sometimes wobbling, notes move above string plucks and quasi melodies. Electronic drum-like banging leads to a relaxed decrescendo ending. Iceberg Star Chart starts subtly with lower held electronic notes below Young’s strums. A short silence is followed by high held notes and bangs; string strums with electronic backdrop of high notes and “watery” effect. Clear separate blending lines each match changing louder volumes making for accessible listening. Then a gradual more atonal low pitched zither solo melody. Ripple effect enters with an ascending line, electronic interjections and a sudden ending.
These improvised duets vary from unified and close to contrasting, distant, detached tonal/atonal lines. Wheeler’s intriguing synthesizer percussion, howls, birdy chirps and sound bursts, and Young’s colourful sounds are majestic, breathtaking, attention-grabbing and smart!
Listen to 'From Grimsby to Milan' Now in the Listening Room
