Kevin Kastning :: Even this late it happens

Even this late it happens: Reviews and Quotes

Kevin Kastning & Carl Clements:
Even this late it happens

"No Kastning pairing offers greater contrast than his recordings with woodwinds player Carl Clements, the most recent being last fall's Even this late it happens. The release is well-served by Clements' versatility, with its eight tracks featuring his tenor saxophone playing on three, soprano on four, and alto and bansuri flutes on the eighth; interestingly, Kastning uses the same three guitars as on Invocation. Contrast here isn't limited to the woodwinds-guitar combination but extends to the contrast between the woodwinds themselves; there's a marked difference, for example, in the soundworld of the opening track, “To the presence of movement,” when tenor sax is featured versus the one presented in the subsequent piece, “No longer known; no longer in sight,” where his bright soprano appears; Kastning switching from the 15-string Extended Classical guitar to the 36-string Double Contraguitar also adds to the total degree of contrast.

Compositionally, the material is very much consistent with the style of Kastning's work in general. The partners, so clearly comfortable in each other's company, take their time as they methodically undertake their explorations, four of them pushing past the ten-minute mark and the longest, a brooding meditation titled “Corridors unconsidered” whose mystery is intensified by Clements' flute playing, fourteen. The two operate in tandem, with one shadowing the other as the material accelerates and slows, and respond to each other in counterpoint-like manner. The soprano sax works especially well in this context, given the degree to which its serpentine quality is accentuated on representative settings such as “A veil of absence” and “Circles and waiting,” but so too does the tenor, whose robust, full-bodied tone is effectively showcased during “Imaginary chapters,” not to mention well-complemented by the sympathetic accompaniment of Kastning's classical guitar."

-- Textura Magazine (CANADA)
April 2018

Kevin Kastning & Carl Clements
Even this late it happens
(Greydisc)

There are few guitarists in the world as unique as Kevin Kastning. Kastning has a one of a kind sound influenced by both the classical and jazz worlds. Kastning's introspective style is complemented by his array of extended range instruments. On this album alone he displays a 36-string Double Contraguitar, a 30-string Contra-Alto guitar, and a 15- string Extended Classical guitar. Accompanying Kastning is Carl Clements on various saxophones and flutes. Like many of Kastning's recordings, the music is entirely improvised. Clements glides effortlessly over Kastning's guitar lines, and the tonal contrast between the two keeps the album fresh. Highlights "A Veil of Absence" and "Circles and Waiting."

-- All About Jazz magazine (US)
January 2018

KEVIN KASTNING-CARL CLEMENTS/Even this late it happens

"For their fifth guitar/sax duet, the gang widens the dreamscapes you've gotten accustomed to on previous releases and takes things to strange corners of your mind where incongruous things tend to cluster together and create new wholes. Solidly left leaning music, this really opens the mind to limitless possibilities. Another winner from these two with ease."

-- Midwest Record webzine (US)
November 2017

KEVIN KASTNING / CARL CLEMENTS
Even this late it happens
(Greydisc)

"Guitar explorer Kevin Kastning has made several fine albums with sax / flute virtuoso Carl Clements and, recording once again as a duo they continue onward with their eight track, 77 minute, 2017 CD Even this late it happens. With Kastning delving into his arsenal of multi-string guitars, including the 36-string Double Contraguitar, the 30-string Contra-Alto guitar and the 15-string Extended Classical guitar, he merges his freeform musical trains of thought with Carl Clements, who excels on tenor and soprano saxophones and flutes. Listeners who were lucky enough to hear the duo’s 2016 album A Far Reflection won’t be disappointed with Even this late it happens. Speaking about the boundless musical dynamics on their new album, Carl Clements tells mwe3.com "I think there are infinite possibilities in the music we’re doing, so there will always be new ideas and approaches to draw from", with Kastning adding, "When Carl and I start recording sessions for a new album, we discuss the direction for that album and then move into that direction and that space. Our rapport or connection has always been there, but over all these years, it just seems to only get stronger." The mood of Even this late it happens is somber yet illuminating, with the duo's dreamlike musical patterns winding down dark and mysterious pathways. With their integrated mixture of neoclassical, avant-garde and improvisational sounds, Kastning and Clements are quite rightly considered two of America’s leading 21st century sonic pioneers."

- Music Web Express webzine (US)
December 2017

Kastning, Kevin / Carl Clements: Even this late it happens

"Little time seems to go by these days without another release by acoustic guitar innovator Kevin Kastning. This time the Contraguitar specialist teamed up with woodwind specialist Carl Clements, creating the very ethereal Even this late it happens. As with previous releases I have heard the music evolves at a very slow pace as Kastning's complex chord patterns, gently conceived notes and disjointed/angular vignettes set the tone for the individual tracks. The sax and flute is a nice accompaniment, sometimes intricately woven through the guitar textures while otter times tangential to the soundscape. It is all exquisitely played and the artist's knack for improvisation is obviously second to none. I should also add the recording quality is excellent and completely natural sounding and unaltered in any way. My problem with Kastning's work is the lack of discernable hooks for my brain to latch onto. There are many readers who won't find this a problem so I say check out this mellow and dreamlike piece to further satisfy your curiousity. For others like me, certainly listen before you buy and go from there."

-- Sea of Tranquility magazine (US)
December 2017