Instruments Speak Volumes

Watercolor Sky

Artists: Kevin Kastning (36-string Double Contraguitar and 30-string Contra-Soprano guitar) and Carl Clements (Soprano saxophone, Tenor saxophone, Alto flute and Bansuri flute)
Greydisc Records 88295-12412 (2014)
GDR 3519
7 Tracks
Running Length: 61 minutes

 

“Watercolor Sky” is the second CD from the music duo of Kevin Kastning and Carl Clements, their first, “Dream As I Knew” came out in 2012. Kevin Kastning studied at Berklee College of Music and with Pat Metheny. Kastning has also invented the 36-string Double Contraguitar and the 30-string Contra-Soprano guitar, both of which are featured on this CD.  Carl Clement, studied at Berklee, the California Institute of the Arts, has a PhD from CUNY. Clements plays saxophone and the North Indian bamboo flute, the “bansuri.” Together, the two artists present seven selections of music ranging from meditative to a film noir touch to a taste of jazz. Their blend and timing is exquisite. The photos of the instruments are tastefully done.

 

My favorites on this CD are “The Daytime Haunted” which has a ethereal feel to it and reminds one of the beginning of a black and white film noir. The 30-string Contra-Soprano guitar and Soprano saxophone are used on this piece, but in “In Spiral Streams,” Clements plays an Alto flute. This is a livelier piece reminiscent of a Stan Kenton sound. Also, the final selection, “Distant Interior Winds,”  has the 36-string Double Contraguitar and Alto flute with a blend so compact it flows like honey. Two international artists who do work they enjoy.

 

 

Copyright 2014 Marie Asner

 

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