In the Gallery Jason Seed Stringtet

We say: String chamber music that comfortably straddles the folk-classical fence.

Centered on the acoustic guitar of composer Jason Seed, "Stringtet" is an appropriate name for this quintet as stringed instruments are all we have here—guitar, cello, double bass, violin and viola— with not a trace of percussion, keyboards, woodwind, or vocals to be found.

In the Gallery is essentially modern chamber music with world music and jazz influences. A distinct tango influence emerges in places too, especially (and unsurprisingly) on "Tangoesque," which also claims to be inspired by Bill Frisell's "Strange Meeting". Elsewhere there are hints of Eastern European ("Goulash Rag," "Krakow") and Middle Eastern ("Ishtar") influence to be heard. Some of the tunes work as vehicles for lush and spirited solo work, particularly on violin, as on "Krakow."

Despite a lack of percussion there is no dearth of rhythmic inventiveness. "Where the Corners Meet," which might well be influenced by Thelonius Monk, has Chinese pipa of guest musician Yang Wei engaged in a complex polyrhythmic dialog with the other players. There's no shortage of melodic and thematic variation either: "Caterpillar Kif" is a taut, twisting piece that boldly displays its jazz roots, while "In the Right Light" is a gentle lyrical composition that has cello to the fore. Lyrical, free-flowing and elegant — In the Gallery is the sort of music for which close listening pays dividends.