Erik Lindgren: Scores!

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: March 1, 2000

Had a rough day at the office? Bills are piling up? Well, New England based composer, keyboardist, music conductor Erik Lindgren with his latest release titled Scores!, may provide some much needed relief from life’s absurdities and indifference’s. Here, the multitalented composer derives inspiration from - the seasons, the ocean, Seattle, Washington and Brian Eno’s classic – “Music For Airports”. On Scores!, Lindgren conducts various instrumentalists through a series of sonic soundscapes that generally breath life and serenity while providing aural vistas that aid one’s imagination throughout the gist of the overall experience. Lindgren’s music closely parallels modern contemporary classical stylizations featuring strings, piano, percussion, flute, oboe and other predominately wooden instruments.

Pieces such as “Psychedelic Music For String Quartet” contains tinges of dissonance, soft melodies and articulate themes yet “Visions Of Seattle” features subtle utilization of harmonics by pianist Greg Pagel. In general, the music is often heavenly, blissful and well-orchestrated which should come as no surprise considering Lindgren’s impressive resume, namely his lengthy stint with the cutting edge band, “Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic”, scores for PBS television, residences at well-known universities while occasionally delving into electronic music. A 2-disc set, the second CD is a companion video spanning 34 minutes that provides the listener with the visual aspects to several of these compositions. Scores! is pastoral, mood evoking, impressionistic yet most of all, beautifully arranged and expertly performed. If you haven’t heard of Erik Lindgren up until now, Scores! would be an excellent introduction to the music of this most intriguing artist ......... * * * *

Website: www.sfzrecordings.com

Email: info@sfzrecordings.com

Produced and conducted by Erik Lindgren

Record Label: SFZ Recordings
Style: Fringes of Jazz