Asha Parkinson's Kalpadruma: Onwards

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Simeon May (bcl, bs)
Elsa Hackett (v)
Ben Crane (b)
Tristan Butler (d, perc)
Joe Parks (perc)
Eliza Oakes (v)
Serguei Gonzalez Pavolva (vn)
Konstantinos Glynos (qanun)
Asha Parkinson (as, ts)
Harry Pearce (b)
Sally Belcher (vla)
Harry Baker (p)
Ali Watson (b)
George Jefford (t)
Olivia Ziani (vn)
Charlie Heywood (g)
Brenda Jean Carey (vn)
Joe Thwates (bcl, bs)
Gareth Lockrane (picc)
Emily Roberts (g)
Sam Vincent (clo)
Tim Lallement (p)
Daniel Swani (f)
Josh Short (t)
Andrew Liddell (vla)
Theo Guttenplan (d)
Dave Adsett (d)

Label:

Self-release

March/2023

Media Format:

CD, DL

RecordDate:

Rec. November 2019, January and October 2021

And the talent keeps coming. Asha Parkinson's credentials are impressive: a stalwart of NYJO, a first-class degree from Guildhall, teachers of the calibre of Trish Clowes, Ian Ballamy and Mark Lockheart, Parkinson emphasises her composing as much as her emerging sax skills. Onwards, a mini-album of some 28 minutes’ worth of vibrant and varied music, is an impressive calling card for her skills. As is the modern way, her influences are international: flamenco, Arabic maquam and Indian vibes run throughout her music, underwriting the opening energies of ‘El Duende Me Protégé’ with Lockrane's piccolo adding a top flourish to the sophisticated ensemble writing.

Parkinson seems to have a particular ear for detailed parts writing as well as a feel for grand, overarching melodies. The string parts on the moody meditation ‘Within the Mist’ are striking while the complexities of the title track don't weigh it down. Whichever musical direction Parkinson chooses to follow, she is undoubtedly an artist ripe for takeoff.

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