The trio of Barry Chabala on acoustic guitar, objects & radio, David Forlano on laptop, EWI and live sampling, and Drew Gowran on drums & percussion are heard label in a set of four experimental soundscapes and improvised dialogue of great detail and diverse momentum, captured live at Juno Brewery + Cafe, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The results are interesting as a deep engagement of texture, space, and the subtle interplay between instruments, offering an album that is both challenging and rewarding.

From the very first moments of Juno, it's clear that Chabala, Forlano, and Gowran are less concerned with traditional melody and rhythm, and more interested in exploring the boundaries of sound itself. Barry Chabala's work on guitar is particularly striking-his delicate, almost fragile plucking and strumming create a tapestry of tones that shift and evolve throughout the album.

David Forlano's contributions on electronics and percussion add a layer of complexity in his use of subtle electronic textures and percussive elements, blending with Chabala's guitar work to create soundscapes that are both immersive and introspective. Forlano's approach is minimalist yet impactful-each sound he introduces feels purposeful, adding depth to the music without overwhelming it.

Drew Gowran's percussion work is equally understated, yet essential to the album's overall mood. His rhythms are sparse, often emerging from the background to punctuate the music with a sudden burst of energy or a gentle, rhythmic pulse. Gowran's drumming is less about driving the music forward and more about creating a sense of tension and release, adding another layer to the trio's intricate interplay.

Juno is an album that requires active listening. The trio's use of silence and space is as important as the notes they play, and the music often feels like a conversation between three artists who are fully attuned to each other's creative instincts. The album's structure allows for moments of quiet introspection, followed by passages of intense, almost chaotic interaction, reflecting the ebb and flow of a live improvisation session.

This album has been reviewed on our magazine:


The Squid's Ear!