H.P. Lovecraft — I Notturni Di Yuggoth

Cadabra Records returns to the pages of M[m] after an absence with another Andrew Leman read, Fabio Frizzi scored albums, I Notturni Di Yuggoth. Consisting of eight of poems by H.P. Lovecraft, I Notturni Di Yuggoth takes a different approach to its composition with Frizzi (in his first acoustic guitar recordings) scoring the poems based on the feelings they gave him, and Andrew Leman pacing his readings upon Frizzi's compositions. This intriguing approach leads to a very listenable, very entertaining poetry album.

Frizzi's "Guitar Notturnos" speak volumes about the night on their own (more on that later), and are wonderfully complemented by Andrew Leman's deft readings of Lovecraft's poetry. Both crafting meters of their own, Lovecraft's words are given new life, and much more dynamic energy than they have seen in years. Traditionally a prose writer, Lovecraft wrote a fair number of poems, though they're often overshadowed by his prose, although more realistically, the mythos itself. Frizzi's evocative guitar work runs the gamut from sparse and minimal to full and frantic. Andrew Leman's ability to provide the perfect meter to match this playing is astounding, and the two work together very well to create an amazing new atmosphere for Lovecrafts words. This is a brilliant approach to further the spread of Lovecraft's poetry, as many may not give it the time of day. Words and vibrant reading aside, Frizzi's guitar work on I Notturni Di Yuggoth is the heavy hitter on the album. Other than setting the pace and atmosphere on side A, Frizzi's tracks are isolated as instrumentals on side B. Giving those who want just Fabio's acoustic guitar debut what they want, Cadabra, fills out the second side with these wonderful "guitar notturnos." This is a treat for guitar fans, and an interesting approach for a spoken word label.

The newest grouping of Frizzi, Leman, and  H.P. Lovecraft are together again on Cadabra Records. Bringing Lovecraft's poetry forth, Leman's lively reading plays off of Frizzi's guitar pieces perfectly, and breathes new life into these old poems. Cadabra hits another out of the park, and this deluxe edition shouldn't be missed