December 12, 2016
by Mark Pinto

Third Coast Percussion: Steve Reich. The compositional style known as minimalism still sounds so new that it’s hard to believe one of its pioneers—New York City’s Steve Reich—has just turned 80. This album, by Chicago-based Third Coast Percussion, celebrates Reich’s milestone with smooth, spirited, and precise performances of four works for tuned percussion: marimbas, vibraphones, pianos, and even slats of purpleheart wood.

Composed between 1973 and 2009, these works showcase Reich’s trademark style. Steady, complex, interlocking rhythmic patterns create jazzy melodies and harmonies as they evolve subtly in their rhythms, textures, instrumentation, and dynamics. The effect is fascinatingly kaleidoscopic, allowing for multiple entry points into this dynamic and uniquely American music.

Click here to read the original article.

« Previous post: Third Coast Percussion provides an Ear Taxi highlight with jointly composed premiere

Next post: Grammy winning Third Coast Percussion performs at Lee Expressive Arts Elementary »