A Meditative Opening: “The Heart Sutra”
The album begins with “The Heart Sutra,” a piece rooted in the ancient Buddhist text of the same name. Alcorn’s interpretation is a “monotone recitation” of the sutra, delivered through the steel pedal guitar. This track immediately establishes the album’s contemplative mood. By using single unison notes and focusing on the subtle interplay of overtones, Alcorn captures the essence of the sutra’s message – “Form is Emptiness” and “Emptiness also is Form.” The use of the steel pedal guitar here is particularly intriguing, as it lends a unique timbre to a piece usually associated with vocal or instrumental chanting, highlighting the instrument’s capacity for meditative and spiritual expression.
Homage and Hope: “And I Await the Resurrection of the Pedal Steel Guitar”
Perhaps the most directly relevant track for those interested in the steel pedal guitar is “And I Await the Resurrection of the Pedal Steel Guitar.” This piece is deeply personal for Alcorn, serving as both an homage to Olivier Messiaen’s monumental “Et Exspecto Ressurectionem Mortuorum” and a statement on her hopes for the future of her chosen instrument. Inspired by the overwhelming experience of first hearing Messiaen’s work, Alcorn draws parallels between the grandeur of his composition and the untapped potential of the steel pedal guitar. She envisions a future where the steel guitar, utilizing its entire physical presence – “the legs, the pedals, the wood, the strings” – can achieve a voice of “majesty, ecstasy, and beauty” comparable to Messiaen’s orchestral works. This track is a powerful testament to Alcorn’s belief in the expressive depth of the steel pedal guitar and its capacity for reinvention.
Alt text: Susan Alcorn expertly playing her steel pedal guitar, demonstrating her deep connection with and mastery of the instrument.
Poetic Soundscapes and Silent Conversations
The album continues to explore diverse sonic territories with pieces like “The Glass is Already Broken,” inspired by a poem by Richard Todd, and “The First Turning of the Wheel” and “The Second Turning of the Wheel.” These tracks showcase the steel pedal guitar’s versatility in evoking different moods and atmospheres. “The First Turning of the Wheel,” dedicated to Bob Graettinger, is described as a “silent conversation,” conjuring “urban alienation, existential loneliness, and musical beauty.” These descriptions suggest Alcorn’s ability to use the steel pedal guitar not just as a musical instrument, but as a vehicle for emotional and conceptual expression, engaging in a dialogue with other artists and ideas through sound. The subtle variations between “The First Turning” and “The Second Turning of the Wheel” further highlight Alcorn’s nuanced approach to composition and performance on the steel pedal guitar.
A Warning and a Hope: “Three Minute Warning”
Concluding the album is “Three Minute Warning,” a reflection on contemporary anxieties about the future. Despite the ominous title, Alcorn finds hope in music itself. She describes music as “that hope – the notes, the sounds, the vast and limitless universe that exists within and between each note.” This piece suggests that even in the face of uncertainty, the steel pedal guitar, and music in general, can offer solace and a sense of possibility. Alcorn invites listeners to “awaken to this melody,” a “primordial song of the heart,” implying that the steel pedal guitar, in her hands, can tap into deep and universal human emotions.
Conclusion: A Unique Voice for the Steel Pedal Guitar
“The Heart Sutra & Other Works” is more than just an album; it’s a statement about the potential of the steel pedal guitar. Susan Alcorn masterfully utilizes the instrument to traverse genres and emotions, moving from meditative soundscapes to powerful expressions of hope and introspection. For listeners interested in experimental music, avant-garde compositions, or simply the unique and evocative sound of the steel pedal guitar, this album offers a rewarding and thought-provoking listening experience. Alcorn’s work is a testament to the enduring power of instrumental music and the continuing evolution of the steel pedal guitar in contemporary music.
