Hot on the heels last year’s excellent In the Rain Shadow MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) return with the follow up album. Follow up being the operative word as I Will Find My Way not only presents us with several new tunes, but also offers captivating re-interpretations of pieces from In the Rain Shadow as well as a track from the equally superb Interconnected (2020).
Now one of the joys of reviewing new releases is constantly coming across new and innovative music, music I may not have discovered otherwise and of course passing on these discoveries. So, for those who missed TPA’s reviews of the aforementioned albums then let me offer a brief introduction to the world of MVI. The collective name is derived from Long Island finger-style guitarist Mark Vickness (MV) and the (I), interconnected which denotes not only ensemble of musicians who make up the band, but also the interconnected nature of the music.
The (I)nterconnected musicians recalls those who have performed on the previous three albums, featuring Mads Tolling (violin), Joseph Hebert (cello), Dan Feiszli (bass), Ty Burhoe (tabla), Matt Renzi (oboe, English horn & saxophone) and MB Gordy (percussion). And quoting from a previous review: “Perhaps not household names, however all are seasoned performers and/or session musicians with impressive individual and collaborative résumés, as well as two Grammy Awardees…”.
The (I)nterconnected music once again reflects the global, unified world we live in. So a simple analogy might be the oft much misused term ‘world music’ signifying music from different countries and cultures which are not easily categorised. But the term itself comes with preconceptions and although MVI do draw from East and West they also draw from different styles from within that broad spectrum. So Mark’s term “Instrumental Progressive Acoustic Fusion” may be a more useful pointer.
So, to the album in hand and as hinted at earlier, I Will Find My Way is subdivided into three parts. In part one we have three new pieces all of which have been arranged for the ‘MVI quintet’. The opening track is The Four subtitled ‘an ode to parenting’ and a celebration of Mark’s now grown up children.
Not only is the track a fitting tribute to the siblings, but in three and a half minutes it wonderfully encompasses the essence of MVI. Captivating and tuneful whilst encapsulating the overriding ethos of human interrelationship.
Although a new tune Squall harks back to the theme of In the Rain Shadow and the local climate anomalies from Mark’s new home in the hills. Opening with acoustic guitar, a brief but pertinent reminder of Mark’s skilful playing, the track beautifully captures the gradual arrival and departure of a storm.
Rounding off this trio of songs is Three Bridges which in itself is split into three distinct parts. The opening section is metered in 7s, followed by an improvised middle section and concluding sublimely in a repeating, but ever evolving, classical form. I am minded of JSB here? Truly sublime!
Part two of the album features two tracks which have been arranged for the septet version of MVI. Although not previously familiar with Icarus it is in fact is the title tune from the fourth album from the Paul Winter Consort, released in 1972. Having now listened to the track, (and discovering this missed gem of an album), I can hear why this instrumental was selected here.
With the addition of ‘More‘ added to the title, Hot Apple Pie, taken from the Interconnected album draws to a close part two with a tasty and vibrant re-imaging of this lively and exciting tune.
Concluding this new album we have four tracks culled from last year’s In the Rain Shadow. Now I Will Find My Way was officially released on 26th June and initially only available on various streaming platforms. I therefore initially mooted the idea that this was perhaps a reflection of the ‘re-visited’ nature of the album? Or was it a shrewd marketing strategy? I suspect the latter and with ‘listens’ boarding on the 100k mark last month an astute one at that. But as a non-streaming Luddite I was concerned that I may not get to hear the album ‘properly’, so my thanks to Mark Vickness who kindly sent a physical version of the album.
So, to part four and I was curious as to why, with such a short period of time between the releases, the necessity to revisit tracks from the previous album. Maybe there’s a clue in the title of the new album? I suppose like many artists, on completing a work there’s that desire to change or re-arrange parts. So, with this in mind Mark has afforded himself the opportunity of continuing the evolution of some of the tracks… ‘finding his way’ perhaps.
To this end the four remaining pieces return to the quintet format of MVI. With the exception of the In the Rain Shadow track, which pretty much remains faithful to the original but without the percussion elements, the remaining three pieces have undergone substantial re-writes. So what we have for these compositions is a change in the DNA resulting in an altered vision. And an excellent illustration of this ‘mutation’ can be heard in the slightly renamed Higher Desert. Firstly the opening has been transformed with an extended atmospheric guitar intro, tinged with Eastern flavours it acts as a precursor to this ever evolving piece with each of the quintet building the intensity. It’s a wonderful re-working and note here for some tasty upright bass from Dan Feiszli. Similar to the original version there’s a break with the strings providing the impetus in ‘part two’ – more improv on the double bass and perhaps more subtly the top line is performed on soprano sax.
Similarly the remaining two tracks, Cloud Shadows Revisited and Alluvial Fans Revisited have undergone significant re-writes, some immediately noticeable and some requiring more in-depth listening – something I shall continue to do. Once again this is made possible as the music has been thoughtfully recorded and with pristine production values ensuring that all of the intricate detail is captured…
In conclusion – with I Will Find My Way MVI once again offer a rich tapestry of engaging melodies and harmonies, expertly embedded within interesting and multifaceted arrangements that draws from a diverse pool of influences and performed by top-flight musicians. If you have not come across Mark Vickness Interconnected before then I can heartily recommend this album as a great starting point, or equally the two previous releases.
TRACK LISTING
– Part One (Quintet)
01. The Four (3:33)
02. Squall (5:16)
03. Three Bridges (5:24)
– Part Two (Septet)
04. Icarus (4:08)
05. More Hot Apple Stuff (5:06)
– Part Three (Quintet)
06. Higher Desert (6:46)
07. Cloud Shadows Revisited (4:17)
08. Alluvial Fans Revisited (5:04)
09. In The Rain Shadow Revisited (3:54)
Total Time – 43:28
MUSICIANS
Mark Vickness – Guitar
Dan Feiszli – Upright & Electric Bass
Joseph Hebert – Cello
Mads Tolling – Violin
Matt Renzi – Oboe, English Horn, Saxophone
Ty Burhoe – Tablas (4 & 5)
MB Gordy – Percussion (4 & 5)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Date of Release: 25th July 2024
LINKS
MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) – Website | Facebook | YouTube Music