A - Ribviews

Whether they’re straight out of the kitchen or have been sitting under a heat lamp for a minute, here is a sample of releases Ribbers decided to taste. Like other zines, we have rated them, but with our own complicated culinary system – from one rib (lowest) to five ribs (bestest).

Amina Figarova September Suite (Munich)
Pianist Amina Figarova was visiting New York in September of 2001, and on 9/11 was awakened by her husband with the news that the twin Towers had been attacked by airplanes flying directly into them. She’d subsequently observe the carnage first-hand, and September Suite is her musical dedication to the victims and families left behind. Unlike some of her past releases, these pieces are predominantly somber and reflective, with far more emphasis on the overall mood of pieces than in blistering or rangy solo statements. Such works as “Numb,” “Emptyness,” and “Photo Album” contain some beautiful Figarova statements, but they are interspersed through works that include soothing, memorable flute solos from Bart Platteau and precise, keen bass and drum interplay from Wiro Mahieu and Chris Strik. When things do get a more animated, as in the opening and solo sections of “Denial” and “Trying To Focus” the change in tone and mood can be a bit startling. On these works, tenor saxophonist Kurt Van Herck and trumpeter Nico Schepers step out from the background and deliver stark, disciplined and effective segments before smoothly returning to the central themes. Other than Occasionally moving into more explosive, outside passages, Amina Figarova and her group offer a probing, superbly played musical treatise on the shattering impact of terrorism in the 21st century. Ron Wynn

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