SPLENDORE

Guilty

Cinevox Records

review by Bill Binkelman

Well, I'll admit it. I never envisioned a Chapman stick duo album. But that's what Splendore are. Fuci and Virna (first names only are listed) and both play the Chapman stick, that intriguing fretboard instrument with no real body to speak of. And they can both really play it. This is an extremely enjoyable album and it invites repeated listenings through the diversity of the songs (especially given that it's just the two of them on their sticks) and the complex but accessible compositions.

I can't even begin to classify this music as a genre. But, for comparisons sake, I can tell you that on the slower cuts, I was reminded of Tim Story's melancholic minimalism. At other times, any of the acoustic guitar greats came to mind: Ackerman, Hedges, McLaughlin. The more uptempo numbers are quite unique - the duo manage to coax all manner of expression from the deceptively simple looking instruments. Overall, Guilty is a quiet album and one that elicited a subdued emotional response from me. Which isn't to say I don't like this. I do - a lot. It's more about how the core sound of the Chapman stick resonates inside me. It strikes me as an introspective instrument, if there is such a thing.

Whether they're making sparkling notes dance, melodies perform circular ballets, or painting somber yet beautiful soundscapes, Fuci and Virna display an amazing command of this instrument. Guilty is as good an introduction to the wonderment of the Chapman stick as you will find anywhere. In addition, it's overflowing with great music that is much more accessible (without being the least bit slick or commercial) than I would ever have thought possible. Highly recommended.