by François Couture Of the first five albums Creative Sources released, Ficta simply is the best one. Ernesto Rodrigues (violin and viola), Guilherme Rodrigues (cello and pocket trumpet), and José Oliveira (percussion) -- the trio featured on the previously released Multiples -- are joined by pianist Gabriel Paiuk for a free improv session low on sounds per minute but very high on intensity. The quartet strikes a near-perfect balance between listening and playing. With his piano, Paiuk brings new colors but doesn't enhance the tonal (or even musical) component of the music. His playing remains highly abstract and for the most part confined to the bowels of the instrument. He rarely hits a note or chord, and when he does it has the impact of thunder. Oliveira displays a lot of inventiveness, producing the most captivating (and pertinent) sounds out of a restrained selection of instruments, much like Günter Müller or Lê Quan Ninh . The two Rodrigues scratch and wail quietly, but there is fire in their restraint. Non-idiomatic improvisation can lose a listener in his or her own thoughts. Ficta will do that, but only for the best reasons: it provokes, it questions, it leaves enough room to let you lose your concentration, only to suck you back in. Excellent free improv of the most challenging kind, this CD is highly recommended. Recorded on 19 December 2001 at Tcha Tcha Tcha Studio, Lisbon Cello, Trumpet [Pocket] – Guilherme Rodrigues Design – Carlos Santos (2) Liner Notes – Rui Eduardo Paes Mastered By – Zé Motor Percussion – José Oliveira Piano – Gabriel Paiuk Recorded By – José Vasco Violin, Viola, Producer – Ernesto Rodrigues