Worldwide/Review MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) - In the Rain Shadow
MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) is Mads Tolling, violin; Matt Renzi, oboe/English horn/sax; Joseph Hebert, cello; Dan Feiszli, bass; Ty Burhoe, tabla; MB Gordy, percussion; and Mark Vickness, guitar. As a composer, this is Mark Vickness's dream ensemble. Each musician is an accomplished soloist, adept at many different types of music. They all bring an astounding breadth and depth of musical understanding and experience.
"In the Rain Shadow" by MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) is an extraordinary concept album that seamlessly blends lush, multi-layered instrumentation with powerful themes inspired by the wonders of the natural world.
The album, rooted in the artist's move to California's Owens Valley in 2020, draws inspiration from the meteorological concept of a rain shadow, where the sheltered side of a mountain range receives less precipitation due to wind patterns. This geographical feature becomes a metaphorical canvas for the musical exploration that follows, capturing the essence of living in this unique environment.
The compositions on "In the Rain Shadow" are deeply rooted in the daily experiences of residing in the rain shadow, reflecting a newfound appreciation for the beauty, tranquility, and awe-inspiring moments that nature offers. The titles of the tracks are drawn from geological and meteorological features, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the diverse facets of this environment.
One of the standout features of the album is its collaborative nature, bringing together a 7-member collective of virtuoso musicians. Each contributor brings their unique talents and skills to the table, resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds that transcends genre boundaries. From jazz and classical to progressive rock, the album spans a vast musical spectrum, offering something for fans of various genres.
“In the Rain Shadow” shows its strength in instrumentation as each section layers over to create an amazing texture making it immersive and cinema like. It touches a wide spectrum of emotions from inspiring tranquility to moving exhilaration. That smooth merger of various musical instruments reflects their high level of professionalism evidenced in music which combines sophistication with the ability to be heard.
Therefore, “In the Rain Shadow” can only be an indicator of the creative instincts and cooperation of the MVI team. Nature’s grandeur transforms itself into a musical adventure as captured in this video. The rain shadow is also celebrated as musicians work together to create another piece of art in this concept album which enables people to enjoy the beauty of this phenomenon.