Stuart Saunders Smith (b. 1948) hails from Portland, Maine, and began studying both percussion and composition at the age of six with Charles Newcomb. He attended the Berklee School of Music in the 1960s, before furthering his studies at the Hartt College of Music and the University of Illinois. He is particularly noted for his contributions to vibraphone literature, much of which is considered groundbreaking. This album features his pieces Flight for flute and piano, Notebook version for flute, piano, percussion, guitar, Time Comes Full Circle for violin and cello, Asleep in Thorns for flute and guitar, and Women in Meeting for two flutes. NOISE is an ensemble of accomplished soloists who are committed to contemporary chamber music. The group is the resident ensemble of San Diego New Music. “…And all of it was beautiful- outstanding playing, remarkable music.” (San Diego Union-Tribune)