Ethereal II: Reviews and Quotes
Kevin Kastning / Sándor Szabó / Balász Major — Ethereal II
(Greydisc GDR 3543, 2018, CD)
(Peter Thelen)
"This time out, Kastning (30-string contra-alto guitar, 36-string double contra
guitar, and piano) approaches the improvised sounding compositional work as a
trio, along with Sándor Szabó (electric guitar and baritone electric guitar) and
Balász Major (drums, percussion), both of the latter from Vác, Hungary. The
recordings were done both at Traumwald studios in Massachusetts and at Tandem
Studios in Vác, although the specifics of what was done where are not clear.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter – with a load of effects and two studios in play, much
can be achieved in a dreamy and sparse musical environment that these three
musicians masterfully create. Ethereal I (from earlier in 2018) featured only
Kastning and Szabó; here Major contributes his spacy percussion and drums,
which, evolving out of a similar root idea as its predecessor, adds an entire
new dimension to the sound, although Major isn’t keeping any kind of steady
beat, he is in full improvisational mode as well, which still gives Szabó and
Kastning their freedom and purely creative space. All three musicians have
created together many times before, mostly Kastning and one of the others, but
the last time all three worked together in the same space was on the 2013 album
Becoming, but don’t use that as a strict reference, as the two are quite
different; each piece in this puzzle is unique, taking its own path through an
unconventional melodic maze. “Hollow Sky” is subtle on the percussion, but both
guitarists are taking advantage of that space, with Kastning paining a rainbow
of colors in the background, while Szabó plays kaleidoscopic melodies affected
by stunning flashes of reverb and subtle echoes out front. “Portals I” and
“Portals II” account for a full album side of twisty turny melodic meandering
with just enough percussion (mostly hand drums) to keep it all fluid and
interesting for the duration. Throughout all the album’s nine tracks, much
attention is given to space, so you never get a condition where too much sonic
density ruins a beautiful view into the soul of the three musicians as they
create. Of course not, these three have recorded together numerous times prior
and know exactly what they are doing."
--
Exposé Magazine (US)
November 2018
Ethereal II
"Although this flow-on album to Ethereal I could be considered as something of
an improv collection of works created by Kevin Kastning, Sandor Szabo and Balázs
Major playing in a highly eclectic jam session it is far more; it is a very
measured, finely designed and composed work, which as with much of Kastning's
composing does not fit easily into any one category.
The album has a certain delicacy of sound which has been beautifully sculptured
in the first piece Arrival (Second Recall) a 10:23 sec soundscape, which
delicately pushes the boundaries of percussive sound defined by guitar,
underpinned with percussion, making this a perfect vehicle for reflective
meditation. This may seem a little too far out there as the work could be
considered as seriously pure jazz, but it vibration works well on the
transcendental level.
The hollow void of space without shape or form has been captured to perfection,
seconds before the deep bass notes of the piano strike with precision changing
the elements to the unbeknown and unforeseen depths of Ethereality II. When
followed by Supernal Vapor, a more definitive percussive piece, featuring the
36- string contra guitar designed and perfected by Kastning, the work broadens
in perspective encouraging the mind to relax and enjoy the rare, timeless beauty
of classic sound waves.
For those who understand the value and intrigue of portals as a component of
life’s multilayered spirituality, Portals I and Portals II listened to either
individually or as a collective sound journey, make the perfect accompaniment to
serious transcendental meditation as the pieces are once again measured,
inviting and intriguing.
In the final composition a drum roll, followed by gentle tapping sets the stage
for Third Departure, an intriguing title to say the least, and an intriguing
piece to complement the title, highlighting the meshing of musicians at the
pinnacle of their discipline: Kastning on contra-guitar, Sandor Szabo on guitar
and Balázs Major on percussion.
As a freewheeling, improv style of music from this combination of talent the
work is sharp, precise, and stunning in its simplicity and yet the complex
nature of construction develops as a rich, multitextured soundscape to be
enjoyed to the fullest."
--
Blue Wolf Reviews (AUSTRALIA)
November 2018
KEVIN KASTNING / SÁNDOR SZABÓ
/ BALÁZS MAJOR
Ethereal II
(Greydisc)
"For their 2018 album, Kevin Kastning and Sándor Szabó enlist the sounds of percussionist Balász Major and the net result is Ethereal II. The second in a series of albums featuring Kastning and Szabó that began earlier in 2018 with the release of Ethereal I, this second Ethereal album is just as dazzling sounding, if not better, than the first. The addition of Balász on drums and percussion completes the sonic structure and also echoes the Kastning / Major CD release of Kismaros from mid 2018. The prolific nature of Kevin Kastning, as both a guitarist and composer notwithstanding, serves to underscore the brilliant fretboard moves in play on Ethereal II. Recorded both in Kastning’s Boston-area Traumworld studios and in Sándor Szabó’s studio in Hungary, Ethereal II merges Kastning’s unique 36-string Double Contraguitar, his 30-string Contra-Alto guitar as well as his acoustic piano with Sándor’s processed electric guitars. The crafty guitar work and musical insight of these groundbreaking artists reaches new levels of sonic intrigue, while the drums and percussion of Balász completes the wide-ranging musical imagination depicted on Ethereal II. Guitar purists may question the ultra spontaneity and avant-garde nature of Kastning and Szabó’s music, yet there’s no denying the expertise with which these two unique musicians execute their performances on Ethereal II as well as on various other projects and recordings they’ve recorded and released on Kastning’s Greydisc label—a fine American label following in the footsteps of other avant-garde outlets such as the Germany based ECM label. Like ECM, Greydisc offers the listener a range of boldly executed, and sonically rewarding releases that combine high levels of improvised music with a definite flair for the unusual. One of the finest Greydisc CD releases to date, Ethereal II sets yet another high standard of musical dialogue from the skillful trio of Kastning, Szabó and Major."
--
Music Web Express (US)
November 2018
"Ethereal II
is really absolutely great!!
I enjoy it immensely and it is in my car CD player ever since I received it. I
must have listened through it 4 or 5 times by now.
I enjoyed your previous albums with Sandor and Balazs a lot as well and I was
delighted to see that this one is a trio with both of them.
It is a joy to listen to this music, the 3 of you compliment each other so very
nicely.
I love it, thanks for doing such great music my friend!"
-- Dieter Kaudel,
K&K Systems
(US)
"KASTNING
SZABO MAJOR/Ethereal II
In which we find the guitar genre busting Kastning moving beyond his usual
solo and duo dates and into the realm of being his own Manfred Eicher by
expanding to a trio of past cohorts rounded up together and creating an
environment for them to work and play well with each other. Going well beyond
the pale and spacing out even farther than if they just kept it to opium den
music, the trio creates other worldly sounds that are as cohesive as they are
disparate. Wild stuff that just might have you never looking at the 30 string
guitar the same way again. Solid left leaning stuff that draws the middle to
it."
--
Midwest Record
webzine (US)
October 2018
Kevin
Kastning/Sándor Szabó/Balázs Major
Ethereal II
Greydisc
2018
Kastning seems to gravitate to the duet format, but this is a recurring trio.
Kastning's 36-string Double Contraguitar, 30-string Contra-Alto guitar and piano
are joined by Szabó's electric guitar and electric baritone guitar and Major's
drums and percussion. It is an especially rich timbral mix. Kasning's acoustic
guitar provides chiming double-coursed sounds reminiscent of a 12-string guitar,
as well as occasional bass parts. The electric guitar provides electronic washes
for accompaniment, as well as a contrasting lead voice. And the drumming is an
equal partner, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes keeping time. Opener "Arrival
(Second Recall)" contains all of this; "Etheriality I," which follows it, sticks
to a mostly slow moving soundscape. Major includes Indian tabla drums in his
arsenal: they are especially prominent on "Supernal Vapor" and "Portals I." This
is a splendid improvisational session, full of variety in tempo and texture: an
excellent starting place for listeners new to Kastning's music.
--
All About Jazz magazine (US)
October 2018
Ethereal II / Kevin Kastning
Greydisc Records (US)
"This is the first time that I chronicle an album of Kevin
KASTNING, I confess not knowing his music well. I happened to see his name as an
associate musician on other albums, like Mark WINGFIELD or Michael MANRING to
name a few. Who is Kevin KASTNING? First he is a guitarist / composer, he plays
several types of guitars: 36-string double counter-guitar, 30-string
contra-viola guitar, 17-string extended-hybrid classical guitar, extended
15-string classical guitar, twelve-string guitar, guitar six-string guitar,
fretless guitar, 12-string extended baritone guitar, 6-string bass-baritone
guitar, alto guitar, 14-string counter-guitar, 16-string counter-guitar,
17-string counter-guitar, 12-string soprano guitar, mandolin, piano and bass. In
addition he is an inventor: without going into all the details, it should be
known that he has created several rather unique guitar models with the help of
different partners. I invite you to visit his site which is very informative
(http://www.kevinkastning.com/ ).
Kevin KASTNING's style is not easy to approach. As an influence we can name the
modern classic, jazz and avant-garde acoustic music. So far Kevin's discography
is quite impressive, many are solo albums, some like this one has collaborators,
in this case it is Sándor SZABO on guitars and Balazs MAJOR on percussion.
"Ethereal II" presents nine tracks, all instrumental that total more than one
hour of music. If there is an Ethereal II, you say that there was an "I" number
and you're right, "Ethereal I" was released in January 2018. The music now, the
compositions are, as I saying it was difficult to tame, "Ethereal II" offers a
delicate sound that has been beautifully crafted, we realize it quickly by
listening to "Arrival (Second Recall)" with its 10:23. It gently pushes the
limits of percussive sounds defined by the guitar, supported by timid
percussion, making this track a near perfect vehicle for meditation. For many
listeners this work could be considered pure jazz, but I also see some
minimalist influences. As I said, the listener will have to show a great
open-mindedness, the world where KASTNING and his acolytes sail is not
accessible to all. Each of the 36 string master's productions is an adventure in
itself, and on "Ethereal II" the addition of the drums reinforces the unique
sound structures. supported by light drumming, making this track an almost
perfect vehicle for meditation. For many listeners this work could be considered
pure jazz, but I also see some minimalist influences. As I said, the listener
will have to show a great open-mindedness, the world where KASTNING and his
acolytes sail is not accessible to all." 8.3/10.
--
Profil Prog Magazine (CANADA)
February 2019
Kastning,
Kevin: Ethereal II
I’ve lost count on the number of albums released by guitarist
Kevin Kastning. Sometimes solo, other times with guests. This time around the
experimental Contra guitarist is joined by Sándor Szabó (electric guitar,
electric baritone guitar) and Balázs Major (drums and percussion).
Ethereal II is certainly an appropriate title for this music as that
really is what you can expect here. Atmospheric and esoteric, Kastning and his
friends go for a very much experimental approach which you can hear on the first
track “Arrival (Second Recall)”. The layered guitar lines and varied textures
with a multiple hue of colours is impressive. Sometimes fluid, sometimes much
more jarring, this is an unusual and creative piece. Lots of different
techniques can be heard in the playing. Slightly atonal and improvised,
“Ethereality I” is another trippy atmospheric piece with a sparser arrangement
and off kilter instrumentation. “Hollow Sky” is quite a peaceful track, very
slow paced but with some fast guitar runs. The sounds gets a bit ominous with
some deep low end. And that's what the rest of the CD brings, very moody and
esoteric instrumental music.
If you are familiar with Kastning’s work you will know his
music is very slow moving with many ambient moments. I have to be in a certain
mood to listen to Kastning’s music but when I just want to completely zone out
Ethereal II will likely fit that bill.
-
Sea of Tranquility (CANADA)
February 2019
