Classical Music

Classical Music

RUMBATA: Encuentros

TOKER, Gustavo / DOBAL, Juan Pablo: Expresiones de Buenos Ai

Fireflight Mimmi Fulmer (soprano voice), Elizabeth Falconer (koto, bass koto), Dane Richeson (percussion), Les Thimmig (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet), Michael Kocour (piano) 'Taking of the World by Sturm' 'Bassist-composer Hans Sturm stirs up a torrent of creative virtuosity in his recent Innova release Fireflight: Sun Suite. The jazz/new music crossover album is permeated by the haunting sounds of Elizabeth Falconer's traditional and progressive koto playing, which is well nigh in the same league as Miya Masaoka's (in one stretch Falconer sounds remarkably like an oud). Mimmi Fulmer is the glowing and smoky soprano, and she sings wonderfully in consort with the innovative drummer Dane Richeson, who is comfortable with all manner of percussion East and West.' Mark Alburger, Journal of 21st Century Music 'At one moment it sounds like ancient tribal ritual music, and the next, it evokes scenes of natural phenomena - awe inspiring vistas and picturesque landscapes. This group paints pictures with sound that challenge the imagination and mind of the listener... a feast of musical textures and moods, and an imaginative approach to ensemble playing' Todd Coolman, Bass World I have frequently been inspired by a moving sunrise or sunset and was struck by the thought of what it might feel like to not just witness an event of such great beauty, but to be a physical part of it - as if one could become part of the air and light. This thought inspired a series of poems and stories exploring the idea of becoming a disembodied part of the atmosphere, somehow one with the day. These explorations raised the thought of how magical the various parts of the day must have been to early human observers left unburdened by scientific explanations, the incandescent light bulb, and climate controlled environments. Words suggested sounds and ultimately led to the creation of the Sun Suite depicting a single solar cycle. The Sun Suite is comprised of four sections; Sunrise, Daylight, Sunset, and Night which are in turn divided into a total of eight movements. The Sun Suite begins with an Invocation, starting softly with Tibetan Prayer Bowls and moving into a percussion and double bass improvisation that sets the mood for the composition. Invocation is followed by Habanero Sunrise. The Sunrise movement has a Latin American feel and likens the beginning of a hot day to sensuous images of the Sun both as a woman and as hot peppers. Sunrise segues into Fireflight, a movement featuring the bass koto, double bass and voice in a layered melody. The Fireflight movement attempts to impart sonic images of birds awakening in the early morning. Fireflight in turn segues into Daylight and Ellipse. These two short movements were written as duets for soprano and double bass. Sunset follows Ellipse and begins with an extended introduction featuring the Brazilian berimbau, then adding the double bass and finally the koto. This movement features four themes which are tossed about between the instruments and the voice in an effort to give the impression of the complex colorful air found at sunset. Starshower is an instrumental movement and features the clay udu drum along with koto and double bass. The final movement of the Sun Suite is the Night parable, a whimsical children's story about the moon which ends quite softly with the opening Latin vamp from Sunrise, completing the sun's cycle. If the Sun Suite is to be considered ethnic world music, then Smoke and Fire must be considered jazz inspired compositions. Written for soprano Mimmi Fulmer during the summer of 1996

Classical Music

Classical Music

Storyville Records is pleased to announce the release of In Rome, a new album by Danish bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek alongside esteemed jazz musicians, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, saxophonist Rosario Giuliani, drummer Roberto Gatto and singer Valentina Ranalli. The album is set for release on November 1, 2024. This recording consists of 11 original compositions, 9 by Pieranunzi, 1 by Fonnesbaek and 1 by Gatto. Thomas Fonnesbaek is considered one of the most important and distinctive bassists on the European jazz scene today. His virtuosic technique, "Nordic sound" and ability to craft cohesive solos place him in the lineage of Danish bassists like Niels-Henning orsted Pedersen, Bo Stief and Jesper Lundgaard, while also showing kinship with greats like Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn and prominent Swedish bass players. Nevertheless, Fonnesbaek's style is uniquely his own, honed through a self-taught journey that captivates audiences with a rare ability to evoke Duende - the inexplicable power of attraction that moves listeners emotionally, a concept coined by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. For those who have had the privilege of experiencing Fonnesbaek live, they will recognize this Duende in his playing. He often takes risks that challenge both his fellow musicians and audiences, creating moments of magic. In Rome captures these moments, highlighting Fonnesbaek's collaboration with some of Europe's finest musicians. At the core of the album is the partnership between Fonnesbaek and Enrico Pieranunzi, one of Europe's most revered pianists. Pieranunzi, known for his collaborations with the likes of Chet Baker, Mark Johnson, Paul Motian, and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone, brings his extensive jazz and classical music background to this recording. Having recorded numerous albums together, Pieranunzi and Fonnesbaek share a musical chemistry that fuels this project. Joining the trio is Roberto Gatto, a drummer celebrated in European jazz circles. His elegant, sensitive approach enhances the group's interplay, while Rosario Giuliani on saxophone and Valentina Ranalli on vocals further elevate the music. In Rome is a testament to the creativity and mastery of European jazz. This album is jazz at it's finest!

Classical Music

Classical Music

GEYN, Hein van de / ABERCROMBIE, John / LABARBERA, Joe: Base

Finding the Way, the new Prophone release by the Maratone Quintet and a follow up to 2008's Setting Out, represents the present sound of Scandinavian jazz at it's best. The characteristic energy and voltage of their live performances is strongly represented on this new album. Influences for the music come from musicians Dave Douglas and the Esbj�rn Svensson Trio, to name but two of several. Their frontline of trumpet and guitar, and techniques used by the musicians, creates a unique and personal touch for the band, in addition to their maturing compositional and playing talents.

Classical Music

Import Hybrid-SACD pressing.

CANADIAN BRASS SUPER HITS

Swing! (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

In Full Swing

Classical Music

Hit it!

The new album by Tonight At Noon, a quintet of respected members of the contemporary Finnish jazz scene led by drummer Andr� Sumelius, follows the group's critically acclaimed 2011 debut "To Mingus With Love". Since that time the group has performed at nearly all Finnish festivals of significance and successfully completed an extensive domestic tour of Finland organized by the Finnish Jazz Federation."People, Stories and Dreams" features seven dynamic, energetic compositions by a trio of the group's personnel, works forged in the crucible of many live performances.

The award-winning, Helsinki-based tenor/soprano saxophonist Joonatan Rautio has performed with many top Finnish and International artists, among whom Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Jon Balke, Jukkis Uotila, Lars Danielsson, Anders Jormin, Ron McClure, Peter Erskine and Finland's UMO Jazz Orchestra are offered as examples. He has led many of his own groups, appeared on dozens of recordings, and as a player is well known for his virtuosity, soloing acumen and vitality. His musical background is firmly rooted in the jazz tradition. Commitment, on Prophone, is his latest trio's latest release.

Dayna Stephens, one of the most interesting saxophonists of his generation, stars on A Week Ago Today, together with bandmates Andr� Sumelius, George Kontrafouris and Teemu Viinikainen.Drummer and producer Andr� Sumelius, who befriended Stephens while doing concerts and recordings together in San Francisco and, later on, NYC, and wanted to bring Dayna to Finland to record, envisioned the project from the start. Dayna Stephens' melodic compositions make up the majority of the album's music, but a few of Sumelius' compositions and one from Kontrafouris round out the production.

Storyville Records proudly presents the previously unreleased live double album, Michel Petrucciani Trio, Jazz Club Montmartre - CPH 1988, by the legendary French pianist Michel Petrucciani, due for release on November 15, 2024. Recorded during a memorable performance at Copenhagen's Jazzhus Montmartre on July 3rd, 1988, the album captures Petrucciani in the company of two jazz icons, Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haynes on drums. While the trio only came together for a brief European tour in the summer of 1988, the chemistry they shared on stage was undeniable. The trio, propelled by a studio session the previous autumn, radiates synergy, as they explore six of Michel's original compositions with a sense of grace and spontaneity. On this recording, listeners will rediscover Petrucciani's unique lyrical universe, as well as his reverence for modern jazz icons, paying tribute to Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Paul Bley with special arrangements of classics like Someday My Prince Will Come, Mr. K.J. and Turnaround. From the explosive energy of She Did It Again to the introspective beauty of Autumn Leaves, Petrucciani's virtuosic playing reveals a rare sense of urgency, joy, and an unrelenting passion for life. As Gary Peacock and Roy Haynes were at the height of their careers-Haynes playing with Chick Corea and Peacock with Keith Jarrett-they were drawn to Petrucciani, recognizing the greatness of his artistry. Together, they formed a trio, bound by a shared intuition and respect for one another, and this performance at Montmartre is a testament to that fleeting moment of jazz brilliance. This concert took place at the midpoint of Petrucciani's meteoric career, 12 years after his Paris debut and 11 years before his untimely passing. Despite the physical challenges posed by glass bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta), Petrucciani's fierce determination, boundless love for music, and infectious laughter inspired all who knew him. Now, more than 35 years after that magical evening in Copenhagen, we invite listeners to close their eyes and step back in time. July 3rd, 1988... it could have been last night, or it could be tomorrow morning!

Inner Island

La vie est une fête