I LOVE everything about this extraordinary release:
2 astounding musicians collaborating – each is undeniably a world level classical virtuoso and a deeply gifted musician and both share a long history of experimentation within and expansion of the traditional classical realm in new life enhancing ways. Haimovitz notably broke ground for exciting projects with DJ’s and snarky modern compositions and especially for his penchant for taking his cello to play in places like rock clubs such as CBGB‘s where classical usually never gets heard. O’Reilly is renowned for his ground breaking arrangements and recordings of music by NICK DRAKE, RADIOHEAD and ELLIOTT SMITH set for solo piano, as well as the beloved host of NPR’s From The Top weekly broadcast.

I love the matching ethos and passion that these two bring when united on this double CD set. Disc one is a beautifully selected set of 20th century cello and piano pieces from Bernard Hermann, Leos Janacek, Igor Stravinsky, Bohuslav Martinu and Astor Piazzolla. Disc two is 12 tracks each an arrangement by O’Reilly adapting songs by Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Cocteau Twins, Blonde Redhead and John McLauglin for piano and cello. Stunning! The package is rounded out by a really nice booklet comprised of a 20 page interview with both musicians that took place days after the June 2011 sessions that created this delightful release. Did I mention the recorded sound is absolutely perfect?

CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY & MATT HAIMOVITZ – Shuffle, Play Listen, 2CD set