The first of a two-volume solo percussion project, composer/percussionist Kevin Norton transmits yet another angle of his rather divergent musical repertoire. Throughout these ten works, Norton alternates between the drum kit, marimbas, vibes and cymbals. Ultimately, he injects a lofty element of musicality into these statements, where he could seemingly be conversing with his alter-ego within a counterbalancing type methodology.

On this endeavor, Norton merges rhythmic measures with melodic mini-motifs, tinged with an air of free improvisation. Yet, he defies classification, partly due to the compositional mindset he conveys. He creates his own space, so to speak. And it’s a treat to listen to these works with a good set of headphones, as you can detect the solitude, and personalized approach he creates during the overall scope of the session. Norton fuses meticulous and linear designed passages that are embellished and emphasized with his use of cymbal swashes and gongs. In addition, he generates a soft timber via high-pitched cymbals that resonate to complement his noticeable use of depth and capacious sound-sculpting. Norton renders multi-hued contrasts with his deft mallet work while also merging fractured themes together, which is a component that maintains a constant flux of curiosity. It’s easily one of the more interesting solo percussion ventures this writer has heard in years. (Recommended.... !)