University of York Music Press

Archipelago features vibrant and colourful works for percussion ensemble, including Short Cuts, originally written for the Apollo Saxophone Quartet and then rearranged by the composer, and Mind the Gap for solo marimba, a work inspired by travelling around London. Genetically Modified Fados and Zoom in – Zoom out were both commissioned by Drumming Grupo de Percussão. Genetically Modified Fados features pre-recorded sounds as well as exploring the elemental Fado style of Portugal, while Zoom in – Zoom outsubtly evokes the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian popular music. Ends Meet is a cyclical work for marimba and string quartet, and the eponymous recent work Archipelago, dedicated to the album’s skilful conductor, Miquel Bernat, combines vibraphone with partially-tuned wah-wah tubes, creating fascinating microtonal effects.

Steel Factory is a thrilling work for steel drum ensemble, and is dedicated to Drumming Grupo de Percussão, a group established 20 years ago in 1999, since when it has become one of the most original and dynamic contemporary music projects on the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, the group quickly became popular with audiences, musicians and cultural centres, playing in theatres and music festivals all over the country. This popularity soon spread to reach an international audience.

A preview of this CD can be heard here and we at UYMP hope that all of our followers will look forward to the release of this exciting new collection of recordings.