A goodly number of sepiachord fans are drawn to soundtracks. They love the implied visuals of intrumental works, they are pulled in by the epic nature of the songs, they enjoy the feeling of modern music that is also classic(al)... if this sounds like you then you should snatch up a copy of Ginger Ibex debut release, "Firefly".
Hailing from Cambridge MA Ginger Ibex focuses on two people: pianist Sharon Crumrine and violin/viola player Betty Widerski. Depending on the track in question the duo either performs as is or includes everything from drums and guitar to an 8 piece string section. There are no vocals and, as she's the primary songwriter and arranger, the Sharon is at the center of every song.
Simply put the music on "Firefly" is lovely.
Though it is completely instrumental the work here seems to evoke images and memories in the way that classical fans like to call "lyrical". I can close my eyes and see stories when I listen to these songs.
There are a few tangos on this CD, I have to say this is a good choice, tangos move and entice so well. The listener is dragged in to them, pulled along with the piano as it builds to a rollicking climax.
Speaking of climaxes the title track and "February" both feature solid drumming that helps these numbers achieve an energy that is possitively Rock n Roll.
It isn't all rock and tango, far from it. "Firefly" is full of quiet, sensual moments. "Prelude to Dust for Kissers" is sweeping and cinematic, a love theme for memories. The album's closer "For all Unborn Children" is positively baroque, Sharon's piano evoking a chamber harpischord.
And this is what makes this collection rewarding on multiple listens: the variety of mood and sound. You haven't heard everything by Ginger Ibex because you've heard one song or even one tango. "Firefly" is rich in depth and satisfying on a soulful level.
