Nexus

This is a fine collection of pieces performed by one of the premier percussion ensembles in the world. The Canadian quintet Nexus approaches the notion of the percussion ensemble with an ear for innovation and a discipline for virtuosity. Nowhere is this clearer in this disc than on the album's centerpiece, "Cymbal," by group leader Bob Becker. This 12-minute piece consists of a long series of overlapping cymbal and gong rolls that generate a shimmering fabric of tones from within the sounds of the idiophones themselves — hypnotic in feel and surprisingly dramatic. Other pieces include an adaptation of a piece written for marimba and tuba ("Marubatoo") and a sparsely orchestrated piece by Toru Takemitsu ("Rain Tree"). The only unfortunate moment comes on William Cahn's piece, "Fauna," in the form of electric drums meant to heighten tension — they sound dated and are detrimental to the music. Nevertheless, this is a highly recommended collection. ~ Mark W. B. Allender, Rovi