BY CARISSA DYALL
We would like to welcome Carissa in her first review with CutCommon.
Hermeto Magnético
Works by Hermeto Pascoal (performed by percussionist Alistair Kerr, bassist Sean Connelly, flautists Asha Henfry, Emma Knight and Erin Kersing, mandolinist Jake Piddington, singer Heather Brooks, and bandleader-guitarist Rose de La Montaña)
The Jazzlab, 28 July
The intimate setting of The Jazzlab, nestled on a side street in Brunswick, provided the perfect location for Hermeto Magnético’s debut performance. Founded and led by Rose de La Montaña, a classical guitarist who also arranged all the music, this is Melbourne’s first and only ensemble dedicated to the works of Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal.
The audience was taken on an extensive and personal journey through the world of Hermeto’s musical language, which proved to be warm, inviting, and thoroughly enjoyable; a stark comparison to the wet and cold weather that Melbourne had provided that night. Vocalist and MC Heather Brooks gave us light-hearted interludes describing the pieces and introductions for each band member throughout the night. Despite this, there was still a yearning for a bit more information on the pieces that were played.
São Jorge awakened the audience, and started the first set through a peaceful and tranquil introduction that developed into a spirited and playful piece about horses. This was a wonderful way to set up the audience for what was in store: music full of complex layers of sound, improvisation, and innovation with an ever-evolving ensemble. Highlights included a soundscape created through found objects such as water-filled glass bottles that developed into jazz, and a piece about a clock ticking away.
The second set showed off the versatility of the ensemble, with variations in ensemble size and instrumentation. Continuing Hermeto’s traditions of being a multi-instrumentalist, members of the ensemble performed on a variety of instruments, which allowed for greater flexibility and variety in sound. The most striking of the multi-instrumentalists was Rose playing alto flute as part of a flute quartet with bass guitar for Vou Esperar. These four flutes provided a well-blended sound that was luscious and full. The addition of bass guitar gave the ensemble more depth in the sounds produced.
The stand-out piece of the night was Slaves Mass, which told the story of two escaped slaves who meet in the forest for a mass. The unison of multiple voices and chanting from ensemble members evoked an atmosphere of awe. During one of the interludes, Hermeto was described as a visual composer; and out of all the pieces that were performed, this was definitely the highlight as it took the audience to a place where the sunlight seemed to stream through leaves and down onto the ritual being performed.
The evening was enjoyable and well-received by the audience. Hermeto’s music was described as ‘universal’, and this was apparent throughout this performance of an eclectic range of his music. The sense of community and warmth created through the music was further developed with a personal touch by Hermeto Magnético, and their interaction with each other and the audience.
Have you read Rose’s blog, ‘Understanding the musical universe of Hermeto Pascoal’? Learn more about why this composer is actually amazing.
Image supplied
