Monday marks the beginning of a week-long run here in Toronto by Dusk Dances, an extraordinary outdoor dance festival hosted annually in Withrow Park. I’ve been a member of the organization’s board of directors since 2014; it’s a relationship I’m very proud of.
It’s fitting then to share a new release, commissioned by Form CDT for a dance performance by Mateo Galindo Torres with live illustrations by Carlos Delgado (not part of this week’s Dusk Dances festival). grej’s four-part 20-minute work i/Variations is a striking work that translates well to digital download.
Greg Harrison is the man behind the grej pseudonym. The Fredericton, New Brunswick native describes the work as a “four-part project where each musical work navigates through a physical and emotive journey.”
The work is fairly minimal, featuring just manipulated cymbals and a Roland Juno synthesizer. grej produces an impressively full sound though, with no small amount of energy.
Even the somewhat brooding Part 4 packs an emotional punch. It is a piece you’ll find yourself turning up, even as it helps you wind down.
i/Variations is grej’s sixth release.