The Night's Plutonian Shore, the brainchild of New Zealand born saxophonist
/composer Lucien Johnson, along with drummer Anthony Donaldson leading
a group of musicians who go by the name of The Village Of The Idiots,
is a wild and eclectic musical ride inspired by the works of writer
Edgar Allan Poe. Johnson who divides his time between New Zealand
and Paris and has been involved in composing music for various multi-media
projects, silent films and contemporary dance productions, turned
his focus towards Poe for this record which in 2008 was also performed
live in concert as well as filmed for DVD.
While The Night's Plutonian Shore naturally doesn't offer the listener
the complete experience ( I think one really needs to experience both
the music and the visuals together to get the maximum impact of this
dynamic production), the music contained here contains enough dramatic
theatrical elements, and musical fireworks to give you a good idea
of what this project is all about. With Johnson's unique and often
quirky arrangements leading the way (all executed perfectly by the
Idiots), this is one tribute I'm certain that Poe even if he was still
alive would never have expected.
The music takes elements of jazz, opera, the obscure film soundtrack,
even circus themed music and blends it to perfection in one big melting
pot, producing one hell of an entertaining and not to mention diverse
listening experience. Johnson's ensemble of players includes a vibrant
sounding horn section that features a couple of trombonists and a
trumpet player, while he covers tenor & soprano sax, flute, clarinet
and organ. The mad circus like atmosphere which permeates the music
also includes Chris Palmer's expressionistic vocal work as he recites
various passages from the Poe oeuvre. His readings are a bit over
the top at times, but hey this is drama don't you know.
The Night's Plutonian Shore is extremely varied from beginning to
end and definitely won't disappoint listeners who are seeking something
that's a bit more adventurous and isn't afraid to think or step outside
of the box so to speak. I know that for this reviewer, if anything
the music here not only whetted my appetite to experience the other
half (visual element) of Johnson's unique musical vision, but also
to keep an ear out for this talented young composer's future musical
endeavors as well. Nicely done. ****
Reviewed
and printed in Sea of Tranquility, Jan 2009
Written
by Ryan Sparks
