By Ed Enright | Published February 2026
This four-part suite from trumpeter-composer John Vanore and his long-running 12-piece ensemble Abstract Truth is a sonic monument to Easter Island — whose giant stone sculptures and shadowy underground caverns have fascinated explorers and historians, and inspired dreamers like Vanore, since its discovery in the Pacific off the coast of Chile in 1722. The recording dates for this compelling program, an appropriately epic work characterized by towering musical structures and solos that probe deep into realms of hidden beauty, took place over the course of 35 years (during sessions in October 1989, June 2012 and June 2024). The suite’s first movement, “Discovery” (originally titled “Easter Island” and released on Abstract Truth’s 1990 debut album, Blue Route), evokes as sense of dawning urgency, starting with a thematic statement from French horn (George Barnett) and bowed bass (Craig Thomas) and continuing with a majestic tenor saxophone solo (Mike Falcone) that represents the immensity and mystery of the island’s enthralling humanesque statues. The suite continues with “Gods & Devils,” a depiction of the island’s spiritual culture in which Vanore on trumpet takes on the role of a god while tenor saxophonist Bob Howell embodies a more diabolical persona. “Secret Caves” starts a bit tenuously, with short, inquisitive statements by bass clarinetist Brian Landrus, guitarist Greg Kettinger and bassist Thomas that set up the ensemble for revelatory moments illuminated by Michael Mee’s flute and Thomas’ shimmering waterphone. The final movement, the haunting and serene “Rano Raraku,” is named for the volcanic crater whose stone was quarried to create the nearly 1,000 moai figures that ring the coastline of Easter Island. The full realization of Vanore’s dedication marks a profound accomplishment for the composer, whose aim is simply to take the listener to the island. While Vanore has never made the daunting trip himself, he succeeds in painting a vivid picture of one of the world’s most beautiful yet enigmatic locales based on his extensive research, visionary zeal and expert composing chops alone.
