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Title: nothing new to say
Review: Eighth Blackbird has made their reputation by playing two types of music: bland, lifeless works from timid younger composers or surefire hits from the contemporary repertoire. It's a pity that a group that seems to have captured the ear of folks beyond the new music crowd have such artistically and intellectually bankrupt programs to offer. This CD illustrates my point precisely. The Kellogg is a colossal bore with nothing original to say and only the conviction that the most shopworn clichés can provide musical interest. The Crumb is a widely-known piece and this reading adds nothing substantial to what's already available.
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