“Warning – May Cause Mood Swings” – The Saint Michael Trio [Tracklist follows] Presentation Partners PP26513. 71:02 ****:
This is not your usual classical string trio. The three members—Daniel Cher, violin; Russell Hancock, piano; and Michel Flexer, cello—come out of the SF Bay Area’s Silicon Valley, and two of them are involved in that area of technology, while the third is a medical doctor. They are Musicians in Residence at Menlo College and they maintain a regular concert schedule.
But what they have played at those concerts since 2007 is not the usual classical string trio program by any means. They play works from many different sources, usually arranged for their trio. These sources are often as widespread as Mozart to Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin. Movie themes, tangos, classical/jazz numbers are part of their repertory. And they engage their audiences in ways classical performers seldom do, with jokes, stories and sharing.
These techies by day and performing artists by night have the type of original approach that is gaining new audiences for classical music who never before gave it the slightest thought. Great for listening to in the car! The whole concept of classical crossover has evolved and changed greatly due to ensembles like The Saint Michael Trio, and the classical world is sure to benefit from it. You can hear three short excerpts and read more about The Saint Michael Trio at their web site.
TrackList:
—John Sunier
