WENDY ATKINSON - "The Last Fret" CD
This has been out for a couple months but I have been trying to find time to give it more than a cursory listen until
recently. On her third solo album, Atkinson offers up a collection of experimental music pieces largely built around the electric
bass along with upright bass and some ebow as an effect to get different textures, tones, and moods. Mostly instrumental,
the songs here build upon various moods and scenes ranging from a busy market in Hebron to the feel of a Canadian winter et
al. While occasionally other instruments such as toy piano and guitar make an appearance, this is largely showcasing the bass
in various permutations. A few pieces with vocals or spoken word arise in the mix (including a cover of Chain and the Gang's
"What Is A Dollar?") but mostly the music does the talking here. The Last Fret is ambient, a little disconcerting
at times but manages to keep the listener challenged and a little curious. If you're curious about hearing something that
isn't de facto pop in its various forms you may want to check this out. (BOONE)
(Smarten UP! and Get to the Point Publishing)
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