by Edoardo Cantini
“Adventures Of A Knight” is the latest preview of Scenes From The Dark Ages, the epic and mesmerizing Scenes From The Dark Ages double-album from prolific Russian/American pianist and composer YELENA ECKEMOFF. The song makes its public debut at Sonic Perspectives as the album nears release at the end of the month.
With elements of progressive rock, jazz, and new age with a Medieval concept and delivered by a top-tier ensemble, Scenes From The Dark Ages immerses the listener in a nearly-two-hour surrealistic and spellbinding experience. Scenes From The Dark Ages was written and produced by YELENA ECKEMOFF who performs piano, organ, clavichord, celesta, synths, and she is joined by Riccardo Bertuzzi (electric guitar), Carlo Nicita (soprano, alto, and bass flutes), Eloisa Manera (acoustic and electric violin), Riccardo Oliva (electric bass), and leading world jazz/fusion scene drummer Trilok Gurtu (drums and percussion). The album was recorded over three days in August 2023 at Digitube Studio in Mantua, Italy, with the recording, mixing, and mastering handled by Carlo Cantini.
With the premiere for “Adventures Of A Knight,” YELENA ECKEMOFF sets the scene: “It is early in the morning; the servants of the castle are still waking up. The Knight saddles his horse and leaves the castle. In his saddle bag is a sealed letter from the Lord of the Castle that must be delivered to the Lady of Manor. It’s a long journey. The Knight rides all day and spends a night in the village tavern. He suspects that he is followed by the spies, so he must hide his tracks in order to confuse his pursuers. The secrecy of his mission is of paramount importance and if necessary, the noble Knight will fight to death to protect the letter.”
Immerse yourself in YELENA ECKEMOFF’s “Adventures Of A Knight” first at Sonic Perspectives RIGHT HERE.
Scenes From The Dark Ages is confirmed for March 28th release as a deluxe digipak 2xCD and on all digital platforms through YELENA ECKEMOFF’s own label, L&H Production. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE and find digital presaves HERE.
Also stream and watch videos for the songs “Pilgrims,” “Quest,” “Chivalry,” “Village Tavern,” and “Tournament” HERE and HERE.
Composer YELENA ECKEMOFF’s newest album Scenes From The Dark Ages is not a rendering of early-music tropes in modern jazz feels. Rather, in her writing on this album she synthesizes classical music constructs and her original melodies with the varied rhythmic and stylistic innovations of jazz, fusion, and world music from the 21st Century. Beyond this, she invests each moment of the album with her own sense of delight in leading and performing this unique material.
The accomplished self-produced musician, who, with this latest title, has now released more than twenty critically acclaimed albums via her own label, L&H Production, recorded this album in Mantua, Italy, bringing together an ensemble perfectly suited to execute her ideas: esteemed Italian musicians Riccardo Bertuzzi on electric guitar, Carlo Nicita on flute, Eloisa Manera on violin, Riccardo Oliva on electric bass, and legendary percussionist/drummer Trilok Gurtu.
Those who follow ECKEMOFF’s career will not be surprised by the enormous creativity in this collection; she always brings a wealth of deep thought to everything she does. What might surprise listeners, however, is how persistently this project has been forming in Yelena’s mind, resurfacing intermittently years after she wrote those first little snippets for a grade school performance. One tune flows organically into the next as she weaves a vibrant sonic tableau depicting medieval life. In her vision, each tune captures a unique aspect of those far-off times, much like the fairy tales that so mesmerized her as a child.
To modern ears, these compositions will register as present-day fairy tales, sparkling with the same imagination and wonder that has kept these most beloved stories alive for centuries. Like fairy tales, Yelena’s work carries deeper meanings; its sophistication lies in her talent for making the complex seem simple and the simple beautiful.
photo by Harry Eckemoff
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