It seems that Christian Vasseur was way ahead of the curve when it comes to the recent renaissance in improvised string music with neo-classical leanings. The pieces on “Alam” were performed in 1993 on a 14 stringed archlute, whose wide harmonic range is well utilized to its furthest reaches; thankfully he shows perfect restraint throughout each piece and uses this extended palette in a manner that doesn’t detract from the overall composition. Each work is created with such detail and played with such finesse that it mimics the cathedral-like performance space that the production’s reverb implies. The occasional breaths, string buzzes, and vocalizations add to the sonic atmosphere of passionate intensity in which this music was performed. This is definitely something you need to get if you enjoy Jozef Van Wissem or certain Leo Brouwer compositions. 9/10 -- Kevin Richards (21 October, 2009)