Instrumental Journey
WHEN NILI BROSH assaulted the stage during last year’s Batten-Menn-Brosh concert in San Francisco, she was like Wonder Woman leading the Justice League and the Avengers into a ferocious battle against every supervillain on the planet. Her loud, take-no-prisoners tone seemed to engrave each note she played deep into the walls of the auditorium. Her melodies demanded attention, whether they were aggressive and edgy, or supple and lovely. Every song had grand, climactic moments, many shaped by impossibly fast whirlwinds of sound. From the frenzied reactions that night, it was obvious the crowd was in awe of a commanding musical force. The hero saved the day. The vile hordes were vanquished.
But Brosh’s superhero persona, as powerful and impressive as it is, takes a knee on her new album, Spectrum (Nili Brosh Music). In her place are the storyteller, the traveler, the conjurer of moods, landscapes and experiences.
As a may come as a surprise to those who desire a pummeling by the conquering warrior of Brosh’s trio performances with Jennifer Batten and Gretchen Menn. Never fear — the depth, diversity and dynamics presented on this album are no less compelling. The expansive compositions display an impressive range for someone who initially won over audiences as a fiery, instrumental electric guitarist. is a journey, not a cage match, and those willing to dive in will experience a Nili Brosh who can still punch like a demon, but who can also make you sob with the power of her music’s beauty.
