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Trio Elf: Music Box Music
ByMusic Box Music is the group's sixth album, and in keeping with the precision aspect of actual music boxeseighteenth versions of the contraptions were crafted by Swiss watchmakersELF's sound incorporates an often machine-like rhythmic precision, due in large part due to the inputs of bassist Peter Cudek and drummer Gerwin Eisenhauer.
Though precise, the sounds of music boxes were/are delicately pretty sounds. Lang produces that atmosphere on the opening of "Danca Da Fita," with a light plinking of the keys on a deliciously coy melody, before the bass and drum come in to supply a relentless momentum. On "Stadium," Lang opens with deep, bell tolling notes that shiftwith the entry of his band matesinto a dance club groove.
Unrelenting, inflexible rhythms are often backdrops for Lang's gentler, more pastoral, more impressionist side. "Emptiness" begins with a brooding piano reverie, backed by softly mechanistic, D.J.-esque brushwork from Eisenhauer. "Tripolis" features Lang laying down a catchy melody, then changing gears to slip into an electric music box, plugged-in-at-the-club trio mode. "Salutation To the Sun" radiates hope, optimism.
Music Box Music walks a line, with perfect balance, between the modernistic, hyper-rhythmic piano trio, and the more lyrical, traditional side of the format.
Track Listing
Emptiness; Prelude To ELF Police; The ELF Police; Tripolis; Salutation To The Sun; Usain; Lullaby For A Weakling Child; Danca Da Fita; Suq.
Personnel
Walter Lang
pianoWalter Lang: piano; Gerwin Eisenhauer: drums; Petr Cudex: bass.
Album information
Title: Music Box Music | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Enja Records
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Trio ELF
CD/LP/Track Review
Walter Lang
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ENJA - Yellowbird
Marc Copland
Peter Cudek
Gerwin Eisenhauer
Music Box Music