White Night is Stephan Micus’s 23rd release for ECM. It is also his most inward-looking sojourn. This time, the kalimba is the hub from which other voices spoke outward. Its bronze variation holds hands with the sinding (West African harp) in “The Bridge” to such evocative effect that Micus almost seems to recede as its performer. “The Poet” (for kalimba, sinding, and voice) is another deep dive, while “The River” (for two kalimbas and duduk) tucks us in for a dream that feels melodically real.

– Tyran Grillo