Billy Childs Discography
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Albums
 Billy ChildsLyric Release Date 2005 09 20 Label Lunacy Rating:  The style of pianist Billy Childs over the years has taken different directions, from neo-bop to contemporary crossover and fusion-influenced jazz. But there has always been an underlying classical underpinning in his sound, and with Lyric, that aesthetic is cut free. A sextet, at times complemented by a string section, and including Carol Robbins on harp, guitarist Larry Koonse, and bassist Scott Colley further enhances the chamber music feel. Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is the only non-stringed instrument. All the compositions are extended, leaving plenty of room for interpretation, that important element of space, and a European ECM-like stance that is miraculously luscious at every turn. The music is also playful, as demonstrated on the basic 5/4 rhythm that is stretched during &"In Carson's Eyes," the slightly nuevo tango flavored &"Quiescence," darker toned as urged by Sheppard's surprisingly lower toned soprano sax on the Baroque sounding &"Hope, In the Face of Despair," and harder edged on the final piece of the CD, driven by the energetic, choppy, kinetic 6/8 to 7/8 changes during the astonishing &"American Landscape." The music has an oceanic or atmospheric feel as you'd expect from Californian Childs, but the classical, spiritual feeling is omnipresent for the strings enhanced &"Prelude in B-Flat Major," the still to slow waltz &"The Old Man Tells His Story," and the flute led &"Into the Light." Themes are well developed on every track, the interplay between bandmembers, especially Childs, Robbins, and Koonse, speaks to a deep humanitarianism, and the dynamic ranges build and subside with a sophisticated ease. Clearly influenced by truth and utter beauty without being overwrought, not to mention holding an innate sense of wonder and self-assurance, Billy Childs has created an organ of exquisite allure. Assuredly it will stand the test as the timeless, proud music that positions itself above all other similar hybrids. This is a must have for your collection. Michael G. Nastos, Rovi |
Tracks:
| Title | Composer | Time | |
| 1 | In Carson's Eyes | ||
| 2 | Goodbye, Friend | ||
| 3 | Into the Light | ||
| 4 | Prelude in B-Flat Major | ||
| 5 | Old Man Tells His Story | ||
| 6 | Hope, In the Face of Despair | ||
| 7 | Scarborough Faire | ||
| 8 | Quiescence | ||
| 9 | American Landscape |
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