QUARTET DIMINISHED – DEERAND (MOON JUNE RECORDS) (2024)

The title track is a 4-part suite and an accomplished and impressive start to the album with Mazyar Younes (piano), Ehsan Sadich (guitar), Soheil Peghambari (bass clarinet then sax) and Rouzbeh Fadavi (drums). All contributing to an intriguing and rewarding listen. ‘

‘Deerand’ refers to the duration of the tones of instruments and probably applies mostly to ‘Tehran II’ (14:32), a minimalistic impressionistic piece with elephantine bass clarinet noises and sparse guitar notes; a rubato abstract concoction with weeping soprano sax.

‘Mirror Side’ is a slow burning ballad with a haunting Persian melody with Tony Levin on electric upright bass.

‘Allegro Per Il Re’ features a repetitive 5-note guitar led motif; a similar variation on piano followed by a memorable 3-note bass clarinet conclusion with ingenious percussion; this one has Levin on Chapman Stick, and Markus Reuter on touch guitar and soundscapes throughout.