Play of the Day : ‘Journey’, from Bleat...

[Dad3353]

[size=4]Good evening, all...[/size]
[size=4]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your favourite. All of them can be heard here...[/size]

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/256313-february-composition-challenge-voting/"]BC February Composition Challenge voting...[/url]

[size=4]... and the 'Play of the Day' here ...[/size]

[size=4][url="http://soundcloud.com/chris-j-clarke/journey"]‘Journey’, from Bleat...[/url][/size]

A rocking 8/4 pulse (3-3-2, like the locomotive..?) brings with it an ethereal air, very peaceful, which lays the setting for a gently-strummed guitar lazily alternating the chords. A restful harmonica joins in with a wistful tune, soon overwhelmed by a soft but powerful beat which eases us back into 4/4 time. A solid, sustained bass tone matches a regular cross-stick snare, and a discreet chorale lends authority to the chords as a solo violin brings a Celtic touch, with a soft melody blending in tastefully. Gracefully, with no preambule, suddenly all bets are off as the solo instruments and choir step away to leave in the spotlight a fretless bass, which takes over the melodic role with aplomb, treating us to a sensitive display of virtuosity. Not for too long; the chorus returns, with the fiddle and harmonica. The choral thickens and soars as a soprano fills the upper register, and the backing begins to pile on the pressure, with full drums and a throbbing bass. All the stops are pulled, but we come to a controlled conclusion; we've reached the destination. An echo remains present as sole souvenir of the journey.
[size=4]A very carefully composed opus, taking us in stages on a panoramic voyage across several sonic spectra, from the opening moderate guitar chords through to the supercharged finale, passing through several stations without stopping. The transitions are seamless as we glide past the ever-changing scenery, transported with assurance and mastery; there's an expert hand on the wheel (Yes, I know; they don't have wheels in trains. It's figurative, you fool..!). Wonderful stuff, a fully-blown composition executed with apparent ease (Yes, I know it's not that easy, but it doesn't show in the result...), and a perfect reflection of the subject photo. I'd be up for a return ticket, any time. Thanks for the ride.[/size]

[size=4]The previous review was...[/size]

[size=4][url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/256476-play-of-the-day-train-of-very-little-thought-from-paul-h/"]Play of the Day : ‘Train Of Very Little Thought’, from paul_h...[/url][/size]

[size=4]The next will feature [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/turkey-three-ways"]‘Turkey Three Ways’, from Bilbo...[/url][/size]

[size=4]Until then...[/size]

[size=4]Have a nice day[/size]

[size=4]Douglas[/size] Edited February 24, 2015 by Dad3353