February 11, 2011

Album: Meeting of the Spirits (Oxingale)

Nominated for: Best Classical Crossover Album

The tracks conjure up the ghosts of jazz legends like Charlie Mingus, Miles Davis and Billy Strayhorn, but the sound is something completely new as McGill University professor Matt Haimovitz and friends turn the cello into a big-band warrior (with the help of guitar, percussion and keyboards). Haimovitz has been breaking down genre barriers since his days of stunning New Yorkers with out-there solo performances at the legendary CBGB bar. This disc celebrates his swashbuckling ways on a much bigger scale.

By John Terauds

View article at Toronto Star