Moorefield, Virgil

Things You Must Do to Get to Heaven

Label: Innova Country: USA

"Moorefield has a background both in classical composition and progressive jazz, and as a percussionist and drummer, and it's easy to hear a wealth of diverse elements in his music, which is often rhythmically driven, hovering just outside the limits of tonal harmony, full of inventive, repeating gestures and unorthodox timbral juxtapositions, with unconventional orchestrations, and a generous use of extended instrumental techniques. "Sixteen Sesterces," one of the most successful pieces on the album, begins with the direction "... a slightly deranged machine," an apt description of the effect of the piece. The works range in scope from a solo percussion "comprovisation" by the composer, to an ensemble of bass clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, cello and electric guitar. The performers play with snappy high energy, emphasizing the music's perky whimsy. The CD should interest fans of classical/jazz crossover, and of quirky new music that doesn't take itself too seriously."-Stephen Eddins, All Music

"This new work is primarily introspective. It takes place on a couple of levels; the music explores psychological space, but there's also a structural concern with having the entire ensemble work as a sort of big drum set, stepping through tightly organized themes and variations."-Virgil Moorefield

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