Noël Akchoté, a versatile guitarist with a background spanning blues, experimental, and world music, presents his latest ambitious project, "How To Read Music?" released on January 19, 2024, under his own label. This expansive album, clocking in at 2 hours and 32 minutes, is a deep dive into the fundamentals of music, blending genres such as free jazz, avant-garde, minimalism, medieval, and experimental.
The album is structured as a comprehensive guide to reading and understanding music, with tracks titled as lessons and exercises, such as "Fundamentals," "Let's Read N°. 1 - Solfège Des Solfèges," and "Metronome In Time." Akchoté's approach is both educational and artistic, offering a unique listening experience that is as informative as it is engaging. The tracklist includes a mix of original compositions and interpretations of classical pieces, demonstrating Akchoté's wide-ranging musical influences and technical prowess.
"How To Read Music?" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the intricacies of musical theory and practice. Akchoté's playing is characterized by a deep understanding of the guitar, whether he is exploring the minimalist soundscapes of "Adagio - Bwv 527" or the syncopated rhythms of "Syncopated - Resistor." The album also features tracks that delve into specific techniques and styles, such as "Tablature - Lute & Fingerpicking" and "Blues-Rock - Early Rock."
Throughout the album, Akchoté's playing is marked by a sense of exploration and discovery. Whether he is interpreting classical pieces or creating his own exercises, he brings a fresh perspective to each track. The album's conclusion, "Unfinished," leaves the listener with a sense of anticipation, as if the journey through music is far from over.
"How To Read Music?" is a testament to Noël Akchoté's skill as a guitarist and his passion for music. It is an album that will appeal to both musicians and music lovers, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.