Emilie Cecilia LeBel - Landscapes Of Memory [Redshift Records]

Put out on the circuit via the Canadian imprint that is Redshift Records on October 18th, 2k24 is "Landscapes Of Memory", the second full length album outing for Alberta-based Emilia Cecilia LeBel which sees two of her extended compositions rolled out over the course of 63+ minutes on this one. With both pieces using electromagnetic exciters placed upon the pianos strings to create a subtly droning background the first piece, the 2022 written "Ghost Geography", sees Wesley Stuart on piano, performing a meandering sequence of dreamy minimalist piano tones, oftentimes singular, slowly fading away and of mostly diminished and minor nature, slowly building up in intensity and dramatic force, following along the real and sonically imagined landscapes of the North Saskatchewan River over time and space which functioned as one of the major inspirations for this piece which at times dies down into near silence before re-emerging with fresh, sparkling and highly dynamic motifs. Following up is 2023's "Pale Forms In Uncommon Light" with its five dedicated subsections which features Luciane Cardessi as executive force, bringing forth tender caressing piano repetitions of slightly irregular nature and varying intensity atop an almost electrical sounding background hum as well as a vibrant multi-layered and well dramatic climax around mid-composition which marks a shift towards deeper and more tender vibes taking over towards the end of this album which probably reveals more of its musical intricacies to dedicated fans and experienced listeners of Contemporary Classical music over the course of many more listening sessions to come.

Album artwork on Instagram!