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Ten Tunes description

 

Listeners have written that a cool vibe and easygoing joy permeate the ten tunes--each of which has a strong, emotion-packed melody, some fresh harmony, and a powerful, world-music inspired groove; and you’ll hear frequent surprises, twists and turns.

 

I wrote the ten tunes with two goals in mind:  create some music that will show what the clarinet can do in a variety of world-groove settings; and take advantage of the sounds and creative abilities of the three fine musicians who join me on this recording.  The “Opening Gambit” starts us off with a rock beat and funky clarinet and bass solos plus some tasty, twangy guitar.  Next, “Flying Monkeys” is inspired by “The Wizard of Oz”. “Charm Offensive” has a Brazilian feel--a bit of street samba.  Then, “Wide Stance Dance” asks the question, what if James Brown played the clarinet?  I expect this track will launch a dance craze!  “Barbaro” tells the heartbreaking story of the American thoroughbred who decisively won the 2006 Kentucky Derby, but shattered his leg two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes.  “Squeaky Rico” is a happy, toe tapper.  “Connecting Dots” is inspired by the great clarinet players of Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East.  “Toddler Dance” was conceived while watching toddlers on the dance floor at wedding receptions.  In “A War of Words” the four musicians each play a part that fits but might throw the other musicians off at any minute and that creates some nice tension!  Finally, with “Palmas” we tap into the passion of flamenco.   For this record I’ve put together the best possible quartet; each player contributed more beautiful in-the-moment ideas than I can possibly describe.  Guitarist/composer/educator Stan Smith is the best in town, wherever he is.  Just listen to his improvised opening to “Palmas”.  Roger Hines on bass is truly world class and he’s toured the world with Ray Charles and Diane Schuur.  His bass solo on “Barbaro” grabs me every time I listen to it.  And our Brazilian drummer, Danny Aguiar, plays the samba, funk and jazz grooves with fire and an infectious spirit that you can’t ignore.

 

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