From Scratch Archive .: The Group .: Reviews

Reviews

Global Hockets (selected excerpts)

"The music, which runs through 10 dovetailed sections in 46 minutes,
is dramatic, powerful, energetic and exciting. As an extended composition,
Global Hockets is an unqualified success".
Brian Marley, Avant / UK, Review of Cd and video. August, 2000.

"...their performance was a musical investigation of the natural world, and exploration of atomic particle theory. This is where primal drumming and dance meets the drama of high technology in magnificent aural haiku. Combining electronic sounds, human and animal voices as well as mysterious and magical noises from the mass of strange instruments, the players weaved a brilliant world of sound"
John Daly Peoples, National Business Review, March 1998

"...a virtuoso work with unity and spirit. Sometimes it felt like the inner workings of the universe made visible"
Gilbert Haisman, Evening Post / Wn. Feb 1998

"The infectious, interlocking rhythms and snatches of melody made Global Hockets a stimulating experience and a memorable step in the development of one of our most engaging composers".
Alan Wells, City Voice / Wn. March 1998 Reviews of CD releases.

Reviews of CD releases

"From Scratch distinguishes itself with it's use of hocketing techniques (a syncopated voice exchange) which is dynamic and virtuosic . . .Dadson's compositional style is engaging and compelling."
Dean Suzuki, Option Magazine, USA.

"...the music carries the From Scratch tradition of making percussion do more than you ever thought it could. The unconventional instruments, the richness of texture and the sense of physicality persist."
Russell Brown, Real Groove, CD review.

" ... the composition played by 4 artists from New Zealand called From Scratch became the 'climax' of the first day of the second International Jakarta Percussion festival ..."
Kompas July 10. 1997

"moments of great sonic subtlety, from the unforced contrapuntal play between PVC's and bells to the final breathtaking harmonic uplift that closes the final saxophone section . . one came away marvelling at the skill with which Dadson cultivates his garden of sound"
William Dart, Listener, Nov '95.

"a triumphant celebration of diversity and vitality...originality, dynamism and committment to invention and innovation."
Sarah Shieff, Music in New Zealand, Nov. '95.