REVIEW OF ALPINE IN DOUBLE BASSIST MAGAZINE
This first release by Canadian bassist and composer Garth Stevenson is one of the most strikingly beautiful CD/DVD packages to cross my desk. The music on the CD is all original compositions, in most cases evolved from recorded improvisations while the DVD features seven improvisations filmed live on location in picturesque Harriman State Park and Rockaway Beach in New York. The discs themselves are housed in cases hand made from birch bark collected in New York and New Hampshire.
Musically, there are a wide diversity of musical influences one can hear/feel in this music – there are moments that recall many of the earlier solo improvised soundscapes of Grillo, Leandre, Kowald, Holland, and Phillips ranging from ambient to highly energized ostinatos. Many of the tracks are meditative and hypnotic, while some of the processed sounds and harmonics resonate like a sitar or electric guitar and conjure up moments of the Beatles from the 60s. The track East is missing only George Harrison’s vocals while the second track on the CD My Secret Place reminds me of something that Bjork could easily have included on one of her albums. Robert Fripp and Brian Eno also come to mind.
The textures he builds using acoustic and electric sounds, (bass and keyboards), pedals, overdubbed layering and loops are complex and evocative. The production is clear and vibrant and highly detailed. It was recorded almost entirely in his home studio in Brooklyn.
Stevenson has had an extensive and diverse career for a 26 year old. A full scholarship to Berklee, where he double majored in performance and composition led to engagements with Joe Lovano and Bob Moses among many others. He has been based in New York since 2004 appearing with a huge range of projects and ensembles, and becoming a key figure in the experimental and electronic music scenes there. This first release is and excellent album, both highly original and very accessible. I’m looking forward to hearing him live with his 5.1 surround sound system and will look forward eagerly to his next release. - Review by Robert Nairn.
Robert Nairn
Associate Professor, Penn State University
Adjunct Faculty, The Juilliard School
President, International Society of Bassists
Principal Double Bass, Handel and Haydn Society
Hey Garth, Great playing and recordings! I heard about you new "little bass" Can you tell me a bit out it? I saw one pic. I am left handed and looking for a travel solution... as you can imagine. Thanks and take care, Chris
Hi Garth - excellent playing. And thanks for the add - for shure. Maybe you like my solo, too- www. myspace. com/xtraxtrasounds - have a nice day, ours is nearly over now. All the best, KRIS
