Byron / Phelps - Bridges of Pearl & Dust [CD]

"Bridges of Pearl and Dust" is virtuosic music for four vibraphones. Polyrhythmic and contrapuntal, it rings out with both inevitably and surprise as it moves through a series of beautiful harmonies. It's continuous activity seems to share space with a sense of motionlessness. It's four parts are performed by LA percussionist Ben Phelps. Composer Byron's music tends to be harmonically rich, rhythmically detailed, and extremely virtuosic. It's often praised for it's ability to create uniquely dense constructions out of relatively limited means: "One is reminded... of the mobiles of Alexander Calder, which are both fixed and moving. And, like Calder's work, Byron's music is immediately comprehensible and beautiful, while it remains experimental." ("San Francisco Bay Guardian") Byron's music has been performed and recorded by such notable musicians as Sarah Cahill, Joseph Kubera, William Winant, FLUX?Quartet, Kathleen Supové, Thomas Buckner, and other new-music champions. "[Byron is] one of those contemporary composers who can justifiably be classed as crucial." (Julian Cowley, "The Wire")