Barry Guy - Barry Guy: Folio (LP)

Barry Guy's 'Folio' is a captivating composition for strings, released in 2005 on the ECM New Series label. This hour-long, multi-movement cycle for string orchestra was inspired by Nikolai Evreinov's 1912 stage work, 'The Theatre of the Soul'. As a double-bass virtuoso and composer, Guy brings his unique blend of jazz and classical influences to the fore, creating a rich soundscape that glitters with detail.

Featuring the Münchener Kammerorchester, conducted by Christoph Poppen, and with contributions from Maya Homburger on baroque violin and Muriel Cantoreggi on violin, 'Folio' is a masterful exploration of the intersection between baroque and contemporary improvisational ideas. The album's 14 tracks, including 'Folio Five 1', 'Double-Bass Improvisation', and 'Memory (Solo Violin and Baroque Violin Commentary)', showcase Guy's innovative approach to composition and his ability to craft beautiful, evocative music.

With its immaculate production and intense, often breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes, 'Folio' is an album that will appeal to fans of free jazz and avant-garde music. Barry Guy's vision and creativity have resulted in a work that is both a reflection on the past and a bold step into the future, making 'Folio' a compelling and unforgettable listening experience.