Under the Pyramid

This is another splendid, utterly compelling recording from bassist Dominic Duval and his C.T. Quartet, complete with Duval on string bass Tomas Ulrich on cello, Jason Hwang on violin, and Ron Lawrence on viola. Each of the 12 tracks is dedicated to the Mexican people, though there is nothing particularly ethnic about the music. The songs reach deeply into the dark recesses where modern classical music and free jazz intersect. There is a noir quality to it all — one that inflames passion, though it never loses sight of itself. For those who have never experienced the richness of acoustic strings — or who think that the concept of the string quartet is somehow staid or boring — this group is a good antidote. These exciting and startlingly creative improvisations evolve from deep in the soul: Don't miss it!