Steve Reich
Double Sextet/2x5
Nonesuch Records
www.nonesuch.com
By George W. Harris

Is it jazz? Is it rock? Is it classical? No, it’s Steve Reich! His Double Sextet won a Pulitzer Prize in 2009, and it’s performed here with two identical teams of clarinet, flute, vibes, piano, violin and cello. 2x5 is composed for two sets of quintets; 4 guitars, 2 pianos, two basses, and two drummers. The music in both parts is highly reminiscent of progressive rock of the 70s by bands like Gentle Giant or Genesis. There are some simple repetitive riffs that are slowly developed into more expansive themes. Not quite ambient in the Brian Eno sense, but reflective and pensive nonetheless. Charming in its own right, but nothing that is going to make you want to rush and see this performed.