Classical Music

Three leading Russian composers (Gubaidulina, Artyomov and Suslin) formed the Astraea ensemble in 1975 to research and perform music for eastern and Transcaucasian folk and traditional instruments (wind, string and percussion). After performing works by each of the members, the group decided to abandon notation and perform freely improvised and spontaneous pieces. This, their sole album, was originally issued in Russia only and now receives its global premiere. The three members of Astraea play on the first two tracks: Instruments include the duduk, salamuri, tar, kiamancha, chonguri, kanon, mandolin, and various types of drums and bells. The third piece, which is quasi-electronic, is also an improvisation, with a very small amount of set arrangement. It was made with the participation of leading American trombonist Miles Anderson, and is based on the text of a German love poem found in the diary of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

Classical Music

This collection of early music for the Advent season provides a glimpse into the days of anticipation and hope leading up to Christmas during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Pierre de La Rue spent his professional life serving some of the most influential rulers of that time, and the glorious polyphony of his Missa Conceptio tua celebrates the Immaculate Conception in a manner appropriate to the extravagant liturgy of the Habsburg-Burgundian court. The seven O Antiphons focus on the theme of Jesus’s imminent arrival, while the concluding English carols centre on the Virgin Mary’s birth of the Christ child. Schola Antiqua of Chicago is a professional vocal ensemble dedicated exclusively to the performance of music from before the year 1600. An ensemble that executes the pre-modern repertory with “sensitivity and style” (Early Music America), Schola Antiqua was founded in 2000 under the artistic leadership of Calvin M. Bower (University of Notre Dame). The ensemble has recorded three albums on the Discantus label (including first recordings of music by Léonin, Du Fay, Guerrero, and Lassus).

Helen Habershon’s writing is instinctive and inspired. She is passionate about ‘our incredible natural world’ and it is the main source for her music. ‘Found in Winter’ expresses the many different faces of winter with its varied moods, and the ever-present threat of climatic change both cyclic and man-made. The music has been wonderfully arranged for small orchestra (most tracks) by John Lenehan and is unashamedly light, tuneful, impressionistic and almost visual in its impact. This album follows two previous albums which were Album of the Month and Album of the Week respectively. Helen is principally a clarinetist with a distinguished international concert, radio and TV career; after a serious injury to both wrists, she turned to composition and has never looked back, though now once again able to perform – as she does on this album. The performers on the album have all established themselves as leading lights; John Anderson is one of the most recorded oboists in the world and professor of oboe at the Royal College of Music; Andrew Fuller left the RPO to follow a career in solo and chamber performances, very successfully and John Lenehan has appeared on over 70 albums including solo recordings for Sony receiving many plaudits. The London Primavera was formed in 1986 and consists of the foremost chamber musicians in Britain. It has appeared at many international festivals, has made two TV series, and several recordings. Anthony Halstead has made over 50 albums all around the world with leading ensembles and is one of Britain’s most sought-after and versatile conductors.

Legendary contralto Marian Anderson repeatedly broke the race barrier in classical art music, most notably when she performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being refused a concert spot at Constitution Hall. But she also loved her cat. This is Snoopycat's story, written by Frida Sarsen-Bucky and narrated and sung by Anderson.

Pink Anderson (1900-1974) spent most of his life working as a roving entertainer in the small medicine shows that traveled throughout the South. His stage repertoire included blues, comedic songs, country ballads, and minstrel show tunes. Pink's songs were first recorded in 1950 by the folk singer Paul Clayton. Folklorist Kenneth S. Goldstein heard the material, and asked the music historian Samuel Charters to find Pink and document his song repertoire. Charters subsequently featured Pink in his documentary the Blues. After a film session at his home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the summer of 1962, Pink felt like singing, so Charters continued recording. Many of the songs on this album come from those tapes, which include Pink's friend, blues guitarist Baby Tate.

Chicago tenor saxophone legend and proprietor of the longest standing and most adventurous avant garde jazz club in Chicago, Fred Anderson celebrated his 80th birthday this past March and Delmark was there to capture it.

Chicago tenor sax legend Fred Anderson has been getting a lot of press recently because of the forthcoming closing of the current location of the internationally renowned Velvet Lounge. Features Hamid Drake on drums/percussion and Harrison Bankhead on bass. This third live Anderson recording follows "On the Run" (DMK #534) and "Back at the Velvet Lounge" (DMK #549).

Brimming with melodic insight and still able to raise the roof with his intensity, Anderson's sonic vocabulary is now completely his own. * Down Beat from the review of "On the Run, Live at the Velvet Lounge" (DMK #534). This second installment of live recordings made at Fred's own club feature the tenor saxophonist supported by the young, fiery trumpeter Maurice Brown making his first appearance on CD, as well as Chicago Underground's Jeff Parker on guitar and Chad Taylor on drums, and bassists Tatsu Aoki and Harrison Bankhead.

Chicago tenor sax legend Anderson performs with Hamid Drake and Harrison Bankhead.

Compilation from the vaults of United, feat. The most innovative & eclectic gospel artists from the 1950s.

Chicago tenor saxophone legend and proprietor of the longest standing and most adventurous avant garde jazz club in Chicago, Fred Anderson celebrated his 80th birthday this past March and Delmark was there to capture it. All three of Fred's earlier Delmark albums were live at the Velvet but the excitement level here is unmatched as the show was sold out weeks in advance. Fred is joined by Kidd Jordan - tenor saxophone, Jeff Parker - guitar, Harrison Bankhead - bass, Chad Taylor - drums. Also available: On the Run (DMK 534), Back at the Velvet Lounge (DMK 549), Timeless (DMK 568, DVD 1568).

Honest-to-goodness, real-life jazz singing is almost as rare these days as a nickel cup of coffee. There are far too few remaining practitioners of the honorable art of singing good songs with the lift and the swing but Ernestine Anderson is one of those rare beings. Years of singing and living have shaped a vocalist who can make your heart cry one moment and dance the next. Poignant ballads, sassy swing, and down-home blues-Ernestine Anderson is master of them all. Recorded live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in NYC. Features Houston Person on the tenor saxophone.

MILWAUKEE TAPES 2

FALLA: Popular Spanish Suite / Piano Pieces / Harpsichord C

Classical Music