PANORHYTHMICA
Chasm
Sticks & Stones Music
2000
Although originally a multi-instrumental duo featuring Mark Esakoff and Michael Whipple, Chasm currently performs live as a quartet, adding Arne Anselm and Derek Thomas. Their music consists of songs that resonate from wood, skin, or wind instruments, creating a World Fusion sound that is unique and arresting. On this album, they attempt to translate the visual into instrumental.
From the very first bars of Serengeti Sunrise, heralded by the plaintive wails of a flute, Chasm draws you in to an exuberant, joyful, and joy-filled presentation of World Fusion music. A rhythmic, infectious beat calls for hands to clap and feet to dance with bodies swaying and gyrating to the tune of Monkey in the Middle. The Smoothie emulates an Ottmar Liebert piece of flamenco fun, while a k a You takes an imaginative flight with flute, guitar, and ukulele exchanging melody lines. Behind classical guitar, recorder, and marimba riffs, hand drums create the subtle sound of flowing water on Agua del Fuego.
After six rather vigorous pieces, things finally slowly down a bit with Falling Water and Neo Rio, a couple of nice light jazz tunes that reflect the land and culture of South America. Four more pieces that are rhythmic carry us through to the final Elegy in G Major, a classical approach in performance that gives us a slow, soft, almost mournful end to an otherwise jubilant album.
Mark has traveled and performed through America, North Africa and Europe and was influenced by the many cultures he experienced. He sees himself as a "songwriter with a sound concept more than a guitarist." When a teenager, Michael was forbidden by his father to play drums, so he chose the flute, and later taught himself to play several other instruments (including the drums).
My Favourite: Monkey in the Middle
CD Length: 58:18 minutes
1 Serengeti Sunrise
2 Monkey in the Middle
