Jefre Cantu-Ledesma - Tracing Back the Radiance

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 6 / 8 / 2019

Label: Mexican Summer
Format: CD

intro

Enthralling minimalism on new album from San Francisco-based modern classical composer Jefre Cantu-Ledesma

Mastered last Winter by none other than Germany's Saarland clicks_+_cuts pioneer Stephan Mathieu, 'Tracing Back the Radiance' was mixed at Gary’s Electric Studio in Brooklyn, New York. Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, of Tarantel and Charalambides notoriety, claims to play noise pop music. Indeed he doesn't. In vain one would be looking for any type of momentum on his new album. Let alone to account for any type of excitement. 'Tracing Back the Radiance' instead makes up for the most of a wonderful hour filled with true contemplation. Sizzling with brooding and glowing tension on the first ten minutes of 'Palace Of Time', this half hour track evolves into an escapade which hands time and offers space to Cantu-Ledesma's work as a scotfree sculptor. In his devoted spare time from music, Cantu-Ledesma produces very fine ceramics. Cantu-Ledesma's dexterity shines through on this album. In many ways and dimensions a shrine to wisdom and beyond as if it were, 'Tracing Back the Radiance' is a fine example of minimalism and music of deft originality. 'Joy', lasting a mere five minutes whilst featuring the prominent bass clarinet played in sad and mournful style by Jonathan Sielaff, serves as the missing link. Onto the album's title track though I go. 'Tracing Back the Radiance' features John Also Bennett on flute; Marilu Donavan on harp; Chuck Johnson on pedal steel guitar; Gregg Kowalsky playing the synthesizer; Mary Lattimore fiddling second harp; David Moore proving more or less on piano; Christopher Tignor striking on violin with Meara O'Reilly on vocals. Roger Tellier Craig is credited for playing the synthesizer and processing effects. Quite uncanny at times and above everything else, 'Tracing Back The Radiance' clocks in as time consuming 'modern classical' music. When you've got a spare moment though, 'Tracing Back The Radiance' might lead to new insights.

Track Listing:-