"Uma"

Yesterday I received a copy of Susan Alcorn's CD "Uma" and I must say this is not what I expected.

Until now I mostly heard the PSG in country-related music, but I've always longed to hear this instrument in a different context. I never imagined that the PSG could be stretched to the limits Susan has reached. It's quite hard to describe the music. It oscillates beween 20th century Art Music, Nels Cline-Jazz and a completely personal approach. She even covered a tune from "Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares" which I thought would be absolutely impossible.

The whole CD is strikingly beautiful and challenging at the same time and is in my personal top ten for 2000. Her playing and technique is amongst the best I've ever heard. It's not that important that she plays pedal steel - it's not a CD only for Steel guitarists - she's just a fantastic musician who happens to play PSG. And what I find is absolutely remarkable: She recorded the whole CD in one day! So, if you want to hear a truly original and unique player or if you want to hear a unique example of modern Art Music - get the CD.

-reviewed by Martin Abend

(Note: current re-release CD-R has a different cover)

1. Uma's River Song of Love
2. Dancing
3. Kalimankou/Thrace
4. Thelonious Monk Medley
5. The Royal Band - Shambhala
6. Mercedes Sosa
7. The Bells of Amden (fur Suzanne)
8. Amazing Grace

"curandera"

I've always found Susan Alcorn's introspective pedal steel solos to be unusual and disarming, and this set is no exception. Her virtuosity on the instrument is the perfect compliment to her artistic vision.

This 2005 album is Susan's best solo effort to date, in my opinion. If you're looking for music that explores new dimensions of the pedal steel, look no further. She pushes the twin envolopes of sonic possibilities and emotional involvement in music. Just when you think you've heard it all...

(Note: current re-release has a different cover from the original.)

1. Curandera (S. Alcorn)
2. Twin Beams (S. Alcorn)
3. You And Me (George Richey/Billy Sherrill)
4. O Sacrum Convivium (Olivier Messiaen)
5. Broken Obelisk (S. Alcorn)
6. People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield)
7. Mama Day's Last Walk (S. Alcorn)  

"And I await the resurrection of the pedal steel guitar "

1. The Heart Sutra
2. And I Await (the resurrection of the pedal steel guitar)
3. The First Turning of the Wheel (for Bob Graettinger)
4. The Glass is Already Broken
5. The Second Turning of the Wheel
6. Three Minute Warning  

On this solo pedal steel album, Susan Alcorn once again redefines the instrument in ways that most of us have never imagined.  Sure to be considered one of her most exquisite recordings, these original improvisations include elements of free jazz, experimental sounds and classical harmonies.

While there are only 5 tracks, two of them are very long, bringing the length of the CD to over 47 very listenable minutes of music.

1. Little Birt, We Can Fly
2. Hovenweep
3. Gilmor Blue
4. Agnes Martin/Specchio Nero
5. Postlude