Michael Byron (1953-)
Bridges of Pearl and Dust (2011)

Ben Phelps

Bridges of Pearl and Dust is virtuosic music for four vibraphones. Polyrhythmic and contrapuntal throughout, it rings out with both inevitably and surprise as it moves through its series of lush, beautiful harmonic fields. It’s a composition wherein continuous activity comfortably shares space with a sense of motionlessness. Via overdubs, all of Bridges‘s four parts are performed for this recording by Los Angeles-based percussionist Ben Phelps. Byron writes, “Bridges of Pearl and Dust is a music about one thing: It points toward a musical experience in the present tense; the burden of anticipation is lifted, and drama, along with its potential for surprise, is abandoned.” (16-minute CD single, in 4-panel wallet)