Patricia Brennan Breaks Boundaries while 'Breaking Stretch'

This new work expands on the creative trajectory established by the artist's solo debut Maquishti and its follow-up More Touch.

Breaking Stretch features a core quartet of Patricia Brennan (vibraphone, marimba), Kim Cass (bass), Marcus Gilmore (drums), and Mauricio Herrera (percussion), while adding a horn section of Jon Irabagon (alto and sopranino saxes), Mark Shim (tenor sax), and Adam O'Farrill (trumpet and electronics).

The album's title reflects Brennan's artistic goals as she aims to push herself and her musicians to their limits, exploring the space between taut focus and expansive reach. This concept is visually represented in the album artwork as well, which juxtaposes astronomical and volcanic imagery.

Brennan's compositions draw from diverse influences, eclectic but not chaotic, spanning contemporary classical music, modern jazz, Mexican folk traditions, and more.

Despite, or because of, these varied inspirations, Breaking Stretch creates its own unique sound. Rhythm remains central to Brennan's work. She approaches her expanded ensemble as a percussion group, an extension of her classical training at the Curtis Institute of Music. This percussive focus creates a lush blend of melody and rhythm and her use of electronics transforms her mallet instruments, blending sympathetically with the voices of her collaborators

The album's tracks draw inspiration from sources as varied as the musical influences. For example, "Los Otros Yo (The Other Selves)" explores multiple identities within a single personality, while "Earendel" is named after the oldest and most distant star discovered. Other pieces reference mathematical concepts, Aztec mythology, astrological signs, poetry, and visual art.

Brennan's background as the child of engineers informs her approach, balancing mathematical complexity with emotional depth. She sees mathematics in music as a way to create tension and release, seeking a perfect balance between consonance and dissonance in rhythm.

As Breaking Stretch marks 20 years since Brennan moved to the United States from Mexico, the album also carries undertones of nostalgia and identity exploration. This milestone has prompted Brennan to reflect on her cultural roots and how they've evolved over time.

Breaking Stretch will be an exciting addition to Patricia Brennan's growing discography, showcasing her unique vision and expanding musical horizons.

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