Selected Recordings From Grapefruit

In 1964, Yoko Ono self-published Grapefruit, a book of surrealistic instructions and texts that were often beautifully evocative reminders of the link between human life and the natural world. It was a prime example of Onos vision during her time involved with the conceptual art community Fluxus, and has remained a unique and strangely charming work since its initial publication. Selected Recordings from Grapefruit finds the global avant-garde music collective the Great Learning Orchestra sonically interpreting the different ideas and pieces of Grapefruit, marking the first time an entire album has been dedicated to sound art representations of the book. The pieces here are minimal but still somehow playful, with lengthy excursions like "Secret Piece" consisting of long-held single-tone string drones and field recordings of gentle birdsong and the lazy whisper of spring breezes. Field recordings show up again in "City Piece," this time the sounds of a busy street rustling by for the entirety of the track, as well as "Water Piece," which is simply the sound of running water. Elsewhere, Onos event scores are represented by the sound of ticking clocks or brooms sweeping dusty floors. Multiple "Pieces for Orchestra" employ noisy or abstract approaches to instrument technique, and on "Voice Piece for Soprano," Onos signature screaming style takes center stage. Selected Recordings from Grapefruit is heady and highly conceptual, but the Great Learning Orchestra does a good job of understanding the spirit of Onos texts and honoring all of the loving kindness, curiosity, sprightliness, and righteous resistance of the book. ~ Fred Thomas