Living In Fire

Living in Fire was John Fonville's second solo CD for Einstein Records. His dexterous playing is at the center of each of the seven works included. Two are Fonville compositions, the others were written by Paul Koonce, David Dramm, Ignacio Baca-Lobera, Chaya Czernowin and Hiroyuki Itoh. Fonville's technique includes breathing and quarter tones (he plays on flutes especially designed for him, including an amplification system). These techniques are best heard on Koonce's "Escape Tone," on which Fonville delivers an impressive performance. The flute/vibraphone duet "Striae" showcases Steve Butters, Fonville's partner in the group Tone Road Ramblers. Czernowin's "Ina" is written for six flutes five of which are pre-recorded, all being played by the same flutist. It explores the multiple facets of one's personality. The highlight of this record is Dramm's "By," for two amplified flutes. The soft breathing sounds and sudden attacks shift from left to right in a synergy which makes it very difficult to distinguish between the two players — delectable. The CD ends on Itoh's "Salamander" for solo piccolo, a piece which doesn't spare the listener as the highest register of the instrument is thoroughly used. Living in Fire established John Fonville as one of the strongest contemporary flutists. ~ François Couture, Rovi