“Monologues & Dialogues” (Works for low flutes) [TrackList follows] – Peter Sheridan – alto, bass, contrabass, subcontrabass & hyperbass flutes/ Lisa Maree Amos – c flute/ Jane Hammond, piano – Move

“Monologues & Dialogues” (Works for low flutes) [TrackList follows] – Peter Sheridan – alto, bass, contrabass, subcontrabass & hyperbass flutes/ Lisa Maree Amos – c flute/ Jane Hammond, piano – Move MD 3349 [Distr. by Albany] *****:
Now this is certainly a unique CD, coming from Australia’s oldest classical record label. I had no idea there were so many types of bass flutes, or that the subcontrabass flute shares the same notes as the string doublebass. Or that the hyperbass flute plays lower than the lowest notes on a concert piano. The album’s title refers to the philosophical connotation of “true dialogue.” It is felt that these compositions have a purpose beyond everyday entertainment, and in fact may provide healing qualities for the listener—much like some New Age recordings. All the works have a mellow sort of sound that makes them double-purpose in that way.
Peter Sheridan is involved in music in the LA area, and was a founding member of the LA Flute Quartet. But only the final selection on the CD features a low flutes quartet. Others are for various low flutes, unaccompanied or with piano. One is for a flute quintet, using two higher-pitched c flutes, and two involve tapes or electronics.  The sounds are resonant and atmospheric—the first selection depicts a winter landscape after a powerful storm. This is much more than a CD that would only appeal to flute players. It’s a fine assembly of works by many different composers and fascinating to listen to.
TrackList:
In a Winter Landscape; Ulpirra; Three for Two; Dark Star; Noisy Oyster; Serenade & Burlesque; Meditations & Memories; Differing Dialogues; Winter Sarabande; Two Sonnets; Serenade; Groaning Oceans, Quasi Latino
—John Sunier