Album Review
The Electro-Magnetic Trans-Personal Orchestra? What does it eat in the winter? This nine-piece group is one of Aaron Bennett's projects. It actually has little electricity in it — only John Finkbeiner's guitar. The remainder of the instrumentation is all acoustic: woodwinds (Bennett, with Finkbeiner doubling on alto sax in "D"), strings (Mark Chung and Jeff Hobbs on violins, Merlin Coleman and Adam Lane on cellos, bassist George Cremaschi), tuba (Joe Sabella), and accordion (Dan Cantrell). There also seems to be an uncredited female singer, most obvious in "D" — it could be a soprano sax, but it mimics the illusion is so vividly that one is inclined to believe that it must be a voice. "Magnetic" could have implied the use of prerecorded tapes, but that is not the case. As for what "trans-personal" means, it is anybody's guess. Under the playful name of this group lies a skilled ensemble of improvisers performing Bennett's structures. They often rely on a bass ostinato. The music shifts from carefully layered textures to raving outbursts and comical interludes, like the finale of "E," where the entry of a squeaky saxophone signals time for recreational craziness. The ensemble keeps a clear view of what has to be done — very few gestures sound tentative — yet the music remains free-flowing. Jazzier and more tamed than your usual structured improv but just as exciting, this CD is a delight. Recommended. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
