About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Knots, a 2005 release on Black Box, is a collection of world-premiere recordings by the experimental improvisatory ensemble Between the Notes and guest violinist Viktoria Mullova, who is prominently featured in the opening and closing pieces. Mullova's fans might feel her moments in the spotlight are eclipsed somewhat by the general welter of the group, and her less-than-forward playing is perhaps less appreciable on this disc than in a live performance. Indeed, with cellist and director Matthew Barley, guitarist Paul Griffiths, keyboardist and composer Fraser Trainer, percussionist Sam Walton, and clarinetist and saxophonist Peter Whyman all vigorously playing alongside her, one might wonder why Mullova hasn't simply been named a member of the group, since comparatively little of distinction has been given to her solo parts in Trainer's Knots (2003) and Love Action (1981). As group efforts, "Tangerine Dance" (1997) and "Lucky" (2001-2004) are fairly balanced concoctions of classical, minimalism, fusion jazz, and avant-garde elements, and even Trainer's more clearly composed "ID" (2001) works well as a round-robin display of individual talents. Yet this album is not unified in its purpose -- whether as a showcase for Mullova or Trainer, or as a free-wheeling jam for the musicians as a collective -- so listeners should try it in small samples to decide first if the music is palatable, then untangle its other puzzles later. Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

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