This outstanding release presents three relatively late works by Arthur Bliss. At the time, they were considered a little old-fashioned. Heard now, though, I think they show the originality of Bliss’ vision — and his skill at orchestral writing. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly shines in “The Enchantress” and “Mary of Magdala.” Her voice can sound warm, […]
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Joan Manén – a composer worth knowing
At one time, Joan Manén was as famous as his contemporary (and fellow Catalan) Pablo Casals. Manén rose to fame as a violin virtuoso and composer. During his career, he rubbed shoulders and performed with Antonin Dvorak, Max Bruch, and Richard Strauss. By the late 1930s, Manén’s attraction as a performer was in decline. Although […]
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Radio Talks: How are Folk and Roots evolving? – Friday, October 30, 4-5 pm
“We are on month 8 of this global pandemic. Back in March, touring musicians rapidly saw their entire year of income just wiped out. And we STILL don’t know when they’ll be back to work or what the landscape will even look like. And yet, everywhere we look, musicians have not stopped. They are creating, […]
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Cantica Symphonia masterfully perform Josquin Desprez
This is the fourth volume of music by Josquin Desprez that Cantica Symphonia has released on Glossa. Giuseppe Maletto and the ensemble released two volumes of Josquin’s motets, plus one of chansons. Their next release was a collection of Marian motets (compositions in praise of the Virgin Mary) by various Renaissance composers. This recording seems […]
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Hour 12 Big Band Suites – Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, Darcy James Argue, Brian Krock
Maria Schnieder Duke Ellington envisioned long-form jazz compositions before the technology was created to support them. Initially limited to around six minutes on two sides of a 78 RPM disc, the advent of the 12’ Long-Playing record liberated Ellington and other jazz composers to conceive and record extended compositions. Several contemporary composers are continuing to […]
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Aquarelles — fine music-making with old friends
This is what chamber music should be about — a conversation among old friends. Bonita Boyd, Steven Doane, and Barry Snyder are all long-time current or former faculty of the Eastman School of Music. The individual performances are top-flight, as one might expect of such musicians. But they’re also fully integrated. All three performers are […]
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New Blues & Soul News – 10/20/2020
New Blues & Soul News – 10/20/2020 New Blues: Kevin Burt – Stone Crazy (Gulf Coast): “For more than 25 years Kevin Burt has been electrifying audiences throughout the Midwest dispelling the myth that true blues has no roots in Iowa. His soul-inspired presentation is unique which consistently get him compared to a range of […]
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Chamomile & Whiskey track by track of Red Clay Heart, Oct 21
wtju · Track by Track of Chamomile & Whiskey’s “Red Clay Heart” on WTJU (October 21, 2020) Koda Kerl and Marie Borgman will stop by WTJU Wednesday afternoon, October 21, to do a track by track of the new Chamomile & Whiskey album, Red Clay Heart. You can listen locally at 91.1 FM, streaming at […]
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New Jazz Adds – 10/20/2020
New Jazz News – 10/20/2020 Charlie Ballantine – Vonnegut (Green Mind): “I really wanted to do my best to capture the voice of Kurt Vonnegut in a musical sense and just as each novel had a different overall feel, the music had to change composition to composition”…. On his upcoming sextet album ‘Vonnegut’, Indianapolis-based guitarist/composer […]