Physics of Light
Vicente Avella's Physics of Light is, to be blunt, a
brilliant execution of the endless boundaries of solo piano music when composed
and performed by an artist whose talent and ambition are seemingly as endless
as said boundaries. Through sixteen tracks, Avella held me spellbound with a
dizzying command of tempo, tone, mood, and style. Yet, while I can't describe how he
accomplished the level of cohesion and continuity within the album, that is
also here in abundance. Now, I am not saying that a solo piano release that
maintains a unified mood or sound cannot also be great and an artistic
triumph, but Physics of Light is a rarity where the artist throws
(relatively speaking) caution to the wind and plays his ass off across the
widest possible spectrum and damn the torpedoes. Perhaps the key to why I
enjoyed this album so much is that no matter the specific underpinnings of a
piece (e.g. fast or slow, haunting or warm), Avella's humanity and, well, his
humility shine through. He's never showing off, despite the brilliance of his
technique. I get the distinct impression he is always playing straight
from his heart (which, when one thinks about it, is contrasted by the
intellectual nature of the album's theme, i.e., each track's title deals with
light, a property of light, or a type of light).
"Light Particles" (track one) is a patient and
somewhat somber sonic exploration while "Radiance" sparkles with
frivolity and whimsical playfulness as it races here and there. Things get even
deeper (psychologically speaking) on "Where Light and Shadow Meet" as
a darker mood takes gentle control of the song. The refrain on the piece speaks
of this melding of the two opposing light qualities. The song brushes furtively
with both a sense of warmth and contentment and a sense of being in an unknown
emotional state. "Ultraviolet" returns to a much gentler and
affirming mood, romantic with a dose of nostalgia, a little like a serenade to
family and friends. "Oscuro" is the piece that made me sit and go (in
a Neo-esque fashion) "Whoa!" Here, a palpable feeling of darkness and
dread looms large (albeit still within the framework of beautiful piano music).
"Resistance" follows with an enticing blending of quasi-urgency and
yet deep purposefulness. There is a semi "call and response" nature
to Avella's use of upper and lower registers – freakin' brilliant to my ears.
I could go on, but I will leave the other ten remaining
tracks for you to explore and enjoy on your own. Physics of Light is one
of the most emotionally and intellectually satisfying piano recordings in more
than a few years. It's a work of unparalleled ambition married to amazing
talent.
ALBUM DETAILS
Music composed by Vicente Avella
All tracks composed, arranged, and produced by Vicente
Avella
Album mastered by Dave Glasser at Airshow Mastering,
Boulder, Colorado
Graphic design by Silvana Izquierdo
Art "Studies in Light" by Leo Morah
Vicente Avella: Piano
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