Partch: The Wayward [Import]

Harry Partch (Artist), Dean Drummond (Artist), Newband (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 12, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi USA
• ASIN: B00006BXMM
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,447 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Wayward, cycle or 4 pieces for voices & Partch instruments: Barstow. Eight Hitchhiker Inscriptions from a Highway Railing at Bars

2. The Wayward, cycle or 4 pieces for voices & Partch instruments: San Francisco. A Setting of the Cries of Two Newsboys on a Foggy Nigh

3. The Wayward, cycle or 4 pieces for voices & Partch instruments: The Letter. A Depression Message from a Hobo Friend

4. The Wayward, cycle or 4 pieces for voices & Partch instruments: U.S. Highball. A Musical Account of a Transcontinental Hobo Trip

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprising, December 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Partch: The Wayward (Audio CD)

This is the first Newband release of any of Partch's vocal works. The result is somewhat surprising. Instrumentally, they still seem to be quite conservative, sticking close by the interpretations recorded by Partch. The vocals, however, are very different. Much of the ironic/sarcastic undertone of the pieces is brought to the foreground, with dramatic contrasts of dynamics and an occasional sneering tone quality. The effect is often -- though not always -- excessively melodramatic. I hate to say it, but this is not a minor disappointment for me. I had long been looking forward to Newband releasing a recording of Barstow. (Will the Columbia recording never see a digital release?) But -- my disappointment is tempered by my belief that Partch's music needs a wider variety of interpreters if it is to survive. Perhaps someone whose ears are not so familiar with Partch's recordings will appreciate this CD better than I am able to. In any case, it is a good thing that Newband does not feel compelled to sound just like the old recordings. This is a landmark CD for Newband, and I continue to look forward to future releases.