Lang, D.: Pierced / Heroin / Cheating, Lying, Stealing / How To Pray / Wed

David Lang's 2008 album, "Pierced / Heroin / Cheating, Lying, Stealing / How To Pray / Wed," is a compelling journey into the realm of free jazz, showcasing the composer's unique ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries. Released on the prestigious Naxos label, this 50-minute collection features five distinctive pieces that highlight Lang's versatility and innovative spirit.

The album opens with "Pierced," an unconventional concerto that exudes a jazzy and ominous atmosphere, receiving its world premiere recording here. Lang's arrangement of Lou Reed's iconic song "Heroin" for voice and cello follows, offering a haunting and introspective take on the original. "Cheating, Lying, Stealing," originally a calling card for the Bang on a Can All-Stars, is a dark and swaggering piece that Lang himself describes as "ominous funk." The minimalist and trance-inducing "Wed" pays tribute to the memory of painter Kate Ericson, while "How to Pray" rounds out the album with its unique instrumentation of cello, piano, electric guitar, and drums.

Throughout the album, Lang's compositions challenge conventional musical structures, inviting listeners to engage with his music on a deeper level. Whether you're a seasoned fan of David Lang's work or a newcomer to his unique sound, this album offers a captivating exploration of the composer's artistic vision.