Oh, the enchanting and far away cold continent. Few of us will ever see this place of tremendous extremes, of warm tonal beauty and beguiling cold rigour. Valmar Kurol has, five times now, beginning in 1993. Since that first visit he has very successfully translated and recorded his affection and appreciation for Antarctica through the language of music and art. The latter through photographs and paintings, most recently seen on display at the EKKT, Toronto Estonian artist’s society 2023 fall exhibition. The former through CDs, the latest of which arrived from Montréal recently. Kurol’s sixth such recording and fifth collaboration with Michael Stibor.
With winter fast approaching the musical paintings of cold beauty found through the tracks of Shades of Antarctica: Instrumental Sketches have been most welcome. As always the liner notes by Kurol are excellent, providing insight into what has taken place in Antarctica. He also expresses concern about not only the continent’s future but that of the Earth as well. The eye-catching covers front and back as well as the blue-white-silver and grey icy shading photograph of the liner notes were taken by Kurol.
Kurol notes the musicians are painting a picture of Antarctica’s “ many colours and shades, literally and figuratively through this album.” The liner notes describe this approach more fully. Hence it is good to have them at hand while listening to grasp the concept. Previous CDs have been more New Age orchestral and cinematic in sound, the latest, Mysteries of Antarctica, very successfully introduced rock and guitars into this blend. Carole Desmarteau contributed melodic ideas throughout. All continue with, as Kurol describes it, a fusion of rock and quiet orchestral, with a dip into jazzy waters.
Those familiar with Antarctica’s history, of the great explorations undertaken in search of the South Pole and the scientific research being taken there are in for a splendid journey, for this album encompasses this rich pallet of musical colours inspired by the deep shades seen there. Not just the myriad forms and tones of white and the rich, deep blue of the oceans but also the emeralds of the Southern Lights, and the red, orange hues of sunsets.
Michael Stibor’s introductory notes emphasize his role as a dreamer. And he dreams of Antarctica in colour. Like the vast majority of humankind he has never been to Antarctica but through his work with Kurol he expresses these shades and hues vividly. His arrangements and mixing, guitar work and synthesizer with programming are superb.
Reggae Party on Ice The opening cut “Reggae Party on Ice” sets the mood for what is to come. The title itself evokes an interesting vision, dancing to steel drum rhythms barefoot on frozen water. After the introspective “Phases of Ice” the duo bring out the horns in “Blue Ice Blues”, establishing the mood for more such romping.
Further on during the musical journey four consecutive tracks transmit the idea of how these hypnotically beautiful shades of Antarctica can be painted. First the statement that “Jazz is Antarctica”, then the guitar licks on “Mystic Midnight”, followed by “World of Whales”, evoking the percussive tail-slapping and breaching the surface of the seas of these massive ocean mammals. Most suitably then a move into “Swinging Antarctica”.
The album concludes with “Metronome”, a doo-wop progression that is, as Kurol writes, “a commentary that time is clicking relentlessly on global warming”. A thought that hardly warms the cockles of one’s heart. It is rather chilling, one that must be considered, heard and acted upon.
The CD is available through Amazon Music, Spotify and iTunes. Visit the website www.shadesofantarctica.com for more and to order.
