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GUDDAL & MATTE: Genesis For Two Grand Pianos Vol.2

Release

Style

Normally I’m not very keen on tribute albums, yet for this homage to Genesis I’ll gladly make an exception. The Norwegian piano duo Guddal & Matte once again plays gloriously on their second volume, containing golden classics from the seventies period. The only exception being “Me And Sarah Jane”, a plausible track taken from ‘Abacab’ (1981). And again the cover is painted by original Genesis designer Paul Whitehead.

The piano playing of these Norwegians emphasizes transparency: the layered melodies and rhythmic patterns are very clear to follow. Dynamic accents are exquisitely added. Result: even within the intimacy of the chamber music genre Genesis’ work stands firm. It proves that their music is not pathetic or bombastically empty at all, as adversaries like to claim.

On this record you really hear the two Norwegians engage in this music. You just hear they’re in this music with their hearts. These renditions are not short of captivating moments. Their intro to “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” sends a shiver down my spine. (Yet the original version remains unsurpassed, but the two have nowhere the intention to surpass.) The fine piano glissando’s in for instance “Seven Stones” are highly enjoyable. What we generally hear, are by no means naked arrangements or stripped down versions, since even Phil Collins’ drum fills are put into piano transcription. It’s a cliché that a piano can sound like a full blown orchestra, but it’s true. These renditions are by the way very loyal to the original ones, so don’t expect surprises or new insights.

The order of the track list proves to be a fine choice. Things really develop towards a first highpoint, “The Battle Of Epping Forest”, emphasizing the irony of triumphing. The many changes in time and climate are well put to the fore. Also “Eleventh Earl Of Mar” and “The Cinema Show” remain captivating epics. While the one piano sets out the lines, the other fills in the blanks colourfully. The result represents some great piano playing, with a touch that sounds warm, rounded and not too explicit. The beautiful recording is made on two Steinway D Grand Pianos at the Norwegian Academy of Music’s concert hall in Oslo. A perfect album to enjoy at the fireplace with a glass of wine.
 

Musicians

1 Me And Sarah Jane (6:33)
2 Seven Stones (4:58)
3 The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (5:15)
4 The Battle Of Epping Forest (11:09)
5 Blood On The Rooftops (5:30)
6 Eleventh Earl Of Mar (7:25)
7 The Cinema Show (11:10)

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Last updated: 16 december 2005 .
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