Music Review
by
Judith Musafía

Incendio gives a fiery performance

The Latin fusion quartet calling themselves Incendio represented the outer reaches of what might conventionally be called chamber music Friday, March 2, at the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction. Presented by the Western Slope Chamber Music Series, Incendio performed the following evening at the Blue Sage Center in Paonia. I heard the Grand Junction performance.

When the words “chamber music” are used, one tends to think of ladies in flowery dresses and wide hats, gents in suits and maybe even wine or herb tea. The Western Slope Chamber Music Series initially stretched this image with Celtic Fusion music, now they stretched it yet again. When chamber music recitals become to formal that is not a good thing. Likewise, interjection Latin fusion into a chamber music series is not a bad thing.

The group Incendio is comprised of three guitarists- Jean-Pierre Durand, Lisa Carbe, and Jim Stubblefield, and they were accompanied by percussionist Bryan Brock. As they concentrated on positive, upbeat music, their musical expression might be described overall as “adrenalinmusik.” They played slower, more poignant and traditional kinds of Latin music as well. Some of the pieces were written by guitarist Jim Stubblefield. All the music was listener friendly, and the audience loved it enough to give the group a standing ovation at the end of the concert.

How to describe the musical expression of Incendio? Their name suggests the adjectives fiery or incendiary, which is apt, as passion characterizes everything the do. Secondly, they play to a high technical standard- at the level where the nuts and bolts of what they are doing is no longer the focus, so then can really concentrate on a generous musical expression. Thirdly, their musical expression is transparent- that is, you can hear everything that is going on, in good balance, as everybody plays very cleanly. Their caffeinated blend is unique, although Peruvian, Argentinean and Spanish influences abound. And they definitely communicate- first with each other, and then with the audience. They sold lots of cd’s at intermission and after the concert.

Next season’s concert series will feature a balanced mix of newbies and well-received returnees- and a mystery artist. It’s not too soon to get season tickets for next year’s series. as the series is beginning to sell out concert, it might not be a bad idea to buy tickets early. For more information, call Tyme Mientka at 241-0741