Space and light Two American composers in the light, with BASIL RAMSEY Michael Mauldin     NLP Records    6 00665 76972 6

I couple these two records in this review for the simple reason that both composers have careers in the USA but are not of the high flyers demanding attention like starving men grabbing at bread. They are excellent musicians, well versed in their craft, and hoping for unexpected 'breaks' that can galvanise careers.

On this showing I find Navok's music more to my taste and particularly sensitive in language and scoring [listen -- track 4, 0:00-0:40]. Mauldin is strong and seeks for what he terms 'the space, the light, and the timelessness' of New Mexico where he lives [listen -- track 2, 0:00-0:40].

The fascination for us who seek brave new music is the number worldwide who ply this craft so assiduously because the fire is within and cannot be quenched. Neither of these composers would, I'm sure, claim a greater share of what's due than other musicians similarly gifted. I find this attitude in tune with what is fair and reasonable, and worthy of the great art we all serve.

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Record Box is Music & Vision's regular Wednesday series of shorter CD reviews