In lockdown John Garner recorded twelve improvisations or 'stories' for solo violin. Classically trained with an interest in South Indian music, in recent times John has made a big impact on the Tyneside jazz scene and although Violin Stories isn't jazz it should be of interest to the jazz fan. The fruits of John's labours is a digital download album with a playing time just shy of forty minutes.
Each 'story' is a compelling listen. Beginning with Over the Hills with its folk-like melody and closing with The Clock Tower (for some reason MC Escher sprung to mind!), Violin Stories takes the form of a collection of short stories rather than a full length novel. What's in a song title? Is it of significance or does it signify nothing? As a title, Flight suggests something ornithological, or does it? The tune's opening section suggests a railroad, riding a freight train, images conjured by many a stride piano player. Note to self: Next time you see John at a gig, ask him about it.
From the Waves Arising evokes the distant call of a foghorn cutting through a pea souper with a musical motif straight out of Arabia. Note to self: Ask John. Yes, speculating about the composer's intentions is a harmless pastime. One thing is for sure, Nighttime Visitation is a gloriously agitated piece of music, the violinist's virtuosity there for all to see, or rather, hear. Violin Stories is available from:
Russell
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