Violinist/composer Dana Lyn teams up with Jonathan Goldberger/g, Clara Kennedy/cello, Mike McGinnis/cl-bcl and Vinnie Sperrazza/dr for an intriguing collection of themes that gives “an Instrumental Story of the Sea.” The unorthodox mixture of instruments gives a hint of the equally unique blend of themes, harmonies and moods, not unlike the ocean itself. The opening “Carping” makes you think you’re about to enter a grunge rock rehearsal, and before you know it, you are lead into a moody and brooding “Mother Octopus.” Other pieces such as “Queequeg,” “Yeti Crab Theme Song” and “The Snow is General” include thoughtful clarinet musings that sound like moonlight reflections on the evening tide, with gentle bowing caressing the cello strings like a breeze. Short themes from a trio of “Aqualudes” are like turbulent waves, but the closing “Yeti Sleeps” bring everything to a close not unlike a Vaughan Williams orchestration. Stunning in its beauty, yet remarkable in that it includes the dark colors of the mosaic chips as well.
Ropeadope Records