Ritual Dances Los Angeles Percussion Quartet Self-published The best chamber music groups are often identified by their repertoire. The Los Angeles Percussion Quartet aligns them- selves with the experimental traditions of the West Coast. Ritual Dances is the quartet’s latest 20-minute studio record- ing consisting of just one piece, “Ritual Dances,” by Eric Guinivan, who is also a performer and founding member. “Ritual Dances” begins with a brief “Processional,” and five dance move- ments follow. Instrumentation is varied, but leans heavily toward an American Experimental/West Coast sound palette: Think the toe-tapping 1940s Lou Har- rison/John Cage and throw in a bit of Harry Partch for good measure. The most stunning and surprising movement is “Circle Dance,” which consists of a lilting ocarina solo (a la Lou Harrison) accented and accompanied by a smatter- ing of woodblocks, cowbells, and drums. The performing here is top notch, but perhaps the most remarkable thing about this recording is the quality of sounds and production value. It is clear that much time and care went into choosing instruments and implements, as well as the minute details of production and recording. With the announcement of a partner- ship with the recording label Sono Lu- minus, there may be more music on the horizon soon. Ritual Dances is clearly the work of four savvy, talented, hardworking creative percussionists who have devoted significant time and energy to their craft. As they further define their contribution to the West Coast experimental music scene, I hope this group will continue to, as composer Peter Garland said of the American Experimental Tradition, “be- long by not belonging...” —John Lane, Percussive Notes, November 2011
The Los Angeles Percussion Quartet brought a first-rate program of established masterworks and new pieces to our series, and performed each piece with utmost musicality, creating beautiful lines and carefully articulated structures with a wide palette of colors and inflections. Their discussion with the audience during a question and answer session during the second half of the program was warm and inviting, bringing more audience interaction than with any other group I've seen. I was thrilled by the audience response to the whole event, with many of our regulars calling it one of their favorite programs ever, and just as many asking me to bring the ensemble back as soon as possible — which we certainly will.
Ronald Caltabiano, Associate Dean, College of Performing Arts, San Francisco State University
Great piece / Great recording (Ritual Dances) So happy to discover these guys! It seems like most percussion music is horribly recorded. These guys clearly put a LOT of time and energy into mic-ing, muffling, de-buzzing, and correct-mallet-choice-ing. Never harsh, always tasteful and beautiful. And then there's the quality of their playing, which it puts it an an even higher level. Stephen Ridley / 2011
Your workshop and performance on the evening concert were excellent. The four of you exhibited true synergy in performing all of your works! It is refreshing and exciting to see you performing such challenging repertoire so musically. Very inspiring!
Matthew Darling Professor of Music, California State University - Fresno President, California Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society
We attended the recent performance at SF State by The Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, and we were just plain bowled over. These guys are good! The group is going to be making a few more Northern California appearances in April. You do not want to miss them! -Gregg Bottini & Jean Alexis Smith
Badass. What a great piece/great group! 61790027 1 year ago (youtube)