Joseph Warner - alon:es album trailer

 Joseph Warner - alon:es - album trailer

Joseph Warner's new album, alon:es, is a required listen for any contemporary double bassist or performer interested in the beautiful possibilities of new music.

Joseph Warner, a double bassist, composer and poet, recently uploaded a video trailer of his album alon:es (watch it on YouTube here). I was lucky enough to be sent this video by Warner, greatly enjoyed his trailer, and cannot wait until I can listen to the entire album.

alon:es, Warner's album of unaccompanied bass music explores the  complete sound world of the double bass. It released earlier this month by TonkunstManufaktur, a German independent record company focused on releasing contemporary music. The album was recorded in Goldschmiedekapell (the Goldsmith's Chapel) of St. Anna Augsburg. The natural reverb in the hall allowed for Warner to exploit the sound possibilities of extended techniques. These were also helped by the incredible video and sound production of Toni Bihler. Bihler's editing skills really allow Warner to express himself as a performer and hugely contributes to the success of the music.

Overall, Warner's approach to his instrument is one which is personal and naturally musical. During the entire video, Warner rarely uses traditional technique on the bass, rather he uses a mixture of new arco and pizzicato sounds by manipulating bow angle and position; his German bow seems to help him achieve these sounds with ease. I marveled at the pure dexterity Warner has on his instrument, and how clearly and precisely he was able to grab high-partial harmonics, immediately switch to fingered pitches, and still simultaneously have a solid groove being felt. One can hear Warner's jazz background, both in his confidence in pizzicati lines, especially left hand pizzicati, and rhythmic groove of his compositions. His angled bow almost sounds like brushes on a snare drum, and he manages to keep the feel consistent while still sounding bass lines and harmonic melodies. 

Every single sound has a purpose which comes through to the listener. Never do the extended techniques and new sounds become kitsch or intrusive, rather they always contribute to the musical material. Warner has pushed the line of what approachable new music can sound like in the most positive of ways. His alon:es is a beautiful masterpiece of contemporary solo repertoire. 

The only issue with hearing his initial released trailer is also its greatest asset. The video is highly produced, and the music would be irreplicable outside of using an amplified instrument in that specific chapel. By no means is this a bad thing, and in fact allows Warner to truly own his new style of playing and incredible music. Joseph Warner's new album, alon:es, is a required listen for any contemporary double bassist or performer interested in the beautiful possibilities of new music. All I thought of after listening was that I could not be more excited to listen to his full album.


© 2021 Brutal New Music Reviews
originally written and published 27 Nov. 2021

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