Bowlines - Not All Who Wonder Are Last

Not All Who Wonder Are Lost is the second live recording by Australian string trio Bowlines, released in July 2018 via Bowlines.

Bowlines was formed by Melbourne based musician Ernie Gruner to explore the possibilities for bowed string players to improvise music. Inspiration might come from a painting, a written provocation, sound from the audience or environment, architecture or one musician’s feelings.

Bowlines has had two sets of musicians, with others joining sometimes. The line-up currently comprises Helen Mountfort (cello), Hope Csutoros (violin), and Ernie Gruner (violin, viola, octave violin).

The bands previous album Circling Strangers (2016) was recorded by their previous line-up Jenny Thomas (viola), Heather Stewart (violin), and Ernie Gruner (violin, viola).

The group’s first performance in 2012 was at an exhibition of paintings by Irine Wellm. Since then appearances have included churches, halls, house concerts, The Boite, Festival of Slow Music, and Darebin Music Feast.

This improvising string trio makes strange beauty. Their collective musical flights of fancy draw inspiration from sources including classical and world music. This is a beautiful showcase of virtuosic improvised cross-genre music, with inspired compositions made in the moment.

This album is released on compact disc CD housed in a gatefold cardboard sleeve, pressed in Australia.