BONANSONE DEDALUS: NOMOS APACHE ALPHA

Most RPI and jazz fusion fans will remember Italy's Dedalus for their acclaimed 1973 self-titled debut featuring the people with "clock faces" on the cover. They would record some lesser-acclaimed works before a return in 2004 by the slightly altered moniker of Bonansone Dedalus, perhaps letting us know that the vision of the group was now that of multi-instrumentalist Fiorenzo Bonansone first and foremost, while still maintaining the fiercely independent and experimental nature of the Dedalus name. Here, Bonansone is joined by percussionist Michele Kathak Strecchi, flutist Anita Cravero, and Riccardo Chiriotto on bass and brass.

Those who have heard and enjoyed that 1973 Dedalus album may be stunned by what they hear on Nomos Apache Alpha. While I am not knowledgeable about classical music at all, what I hear is a seemingly dry (at first), minimalist, avant-garde chamber music that recalls the more challenging albums of Opus Avantra, namely Strata and Lyrics. I even hear parts of Oregon's Violin album and, to a lesser extent, Gatto Marte which is a bit more conventional and often whimsical. This rarely whimsical music takes classical into modern chamber territory with tension-inducing rhythmic infusion on strings. It is mostly instrumental (strings, keys, flute, brass), but is occasionally grounded by the presence of vocals.

The tension hits you in the face immediately upon pushing play with the first song, the title track. There is no chance to ease into it. In other tracks, the tension is broken by beautiful piano runs and delicate flute. The bass and drums occasionally drive the proceedings in the direction of something more upbeat, but it never veers into rock music, though they will show a bit of playfulness from time to time. I noted contrast specifically because even though it is minimalist, it feels complex. Even though there is beauty and joy, there is disharmony and somberness. The overriding mood feels like clouds gathering, though at times the sunlight breaks through into a sun shower, a unique and memorable event when it pops up in life.

Nomos Apache Alpha is another example of the distinction between progressive music and progressive rock. While I called it dry "at first," I can acknowledge that some warmth and fruitiness does seep in after a few plays. Still, I think it is safe to say that this is a very challenging, cerebral, and serious work that will be a tall order for many rock fans. This album received an appropriately classy mini-lp sleeve CD release on BTF/Vinyl Magic, and that would be a super nice catch for anyone who appreciates modern classical or contemporary progressive music or even avant-RPI stuff. The mysterious and lovely cover photograph was captured by Bonansone himself, but I'm not sure what the location is.