DAWN | FOR THE RECORD - REVIEW

For the Record: October 11, 2024.October 2024

by: Steve Smith | October, 2024

Dawn, the new debut recording from the duo Grand Electric, is an instantly appealing new showcase for Mark Dancigers on electric guitar and Aaron Wunsch on piano, each providing original compositions meant to move the combination of these two instruments into new territory. Think of post-minimalist patterns à la recent Steve Reich or Marc Mellits, wedded to an airy, exhilarating melodicism and harmonic sophistication reminiscent of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays – yep, second time I’ve evoked that duo lately; see also here – and you’re in the right ballpark. I especially admire how Dancigers goes toe-to-toe with Wunsch in using his pedals expressively. New Yorkers, take note: Grand Electric plays Wunsch’s free concert series Music Mondays on Monday, Oct. 14, appearing alongside ModernMedieval Voices and flutist Alex Sopp; you can read more and make reservations here.