By Hrayr Attarian
Portuguese multi-instrumentalist Ravenna Escaleira is also a poet and
visual artist. All these aspects of her creativity are evident in her
debut, Vagabondage, which draws inspiration from her urban wanderings. On
it, she performs on electric bass, saxophones, and piano. The four
improvised tracks that comprise the record are provocative and lyrical,
ranging from the impressionistic to the abstract.
On the multifaceted “Girl Crazy”, Escaleria lays down a dense, resonant
backdrop with her bass. These refrains ebb and flow in a dynamic pattern,
forming a sonic landscape that shifts in mood and timbre. Over this
rhythmic framework, her soprano saxophone tells a complex, captivating
tale. Like an epic poem, the interwoven melodies convey a range of motifs.
From an eastern-inspired, mystically shrouded ones to others replete with
raw, throbbing wails, and from Zen-like serenity to riotous fury.
“Fortress” that follows is a solo bass piece. Here, Escaleira uses
simmering lines to build an expectant ambiance and paint an image of
alternating vibrant and somber hues. It is simultaneously mesmerizing and
stimulating. Meanwhile, on the relatively brief “Naked”, her crystalline,
saxophone phrases shimmer like clear shards of glass. They are sharp,
poignant, and memorable as they echo within silent pauses.
The recording closes with the cinematic “Fallen Angels”. Escaleira
showcases her prowess on the piano that matches the superb command of her
other instruments. The mellifluous, haunting musical tapestry she weaves
is replete with percussive chords and a wistfully poetic sensibility. It
can easily be the score of an intelligent and moving arthouse film.
This imaginative and brilliant album perfectly demonstrates Escaleira’s
multifaceted artistry. Beyond the mastery of three different instruments,
Esacaleira has imbued this work with a maturity that belies her age.
Hence, Vagabondage is an auspicious start to a promising career. It also
makes for a rewarding listening experience.