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RAIN WORTHINGTON: “Dream Vapors” = var. works – Navona

RAIN WORTHINGTON: “Dream Vapors” = var. works – Navona

by | Mar 17, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

RAIN WORTHINGTON: “Dream Vapors” = Shredding Glass; Reversing Mirrors in the Quiet; Tracing a Dream; Fast Through Dark Winds; Within a Dance; Yet Still Night; Of Time Remembered – Czech Philharmonic Orch./Robert Ian Winstin/Moravian Philharmonic Orch./Petr Vronsky/Russian Philharmonic Orch./Ovidiu Marinescu – Navona NV6025 [Distr. by Parma], 52:58, (2/12/16) ***1/2: 
Very pleasant works from this emerging composer. Rain Worthington is a very talented and forthright composer who comes from a very unusual background as she doesn’t have any real formal training in composition and, therefore, does not hold any university position or the like. Her passion for music, especially that for orchestra, has allowed her to use what seems like a great deal of natural talent to produce some very fine work; including these pieces here. Rain’s music has been performed in venues from private lofts to concert halls in the United States and across Spain, India, Iceland, and Brazil. Worthington lives in upper New York state and serves as the Artistic Administrator/Composer Advocate for New York Women Composers, Inc., which advocates for the new music of woman composers. She previously was active in the Manhattan new music scene for more than 25 years promoting her music, while her own background […]

Lisa Hilton – Nocturnal – Ruby Slippers

Lisa Hilton – Nocturnal – Ruby Slippers

by | Jan 1, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Exploring the human “experience” with Lisa Hilton… Lisa Hilton – Nocturnal – Ruby Slippers 1020, 51:34 (1/22/16) ***1/2: (Lisa Hilton – piano; Antonio Sanchez – drums; J.D. Allen – tenor sax; Terell Stafford – trumpet and Flugelhorn; Gregg August: bass) Lisa Hilton’s new CD explores human emotions that often emerge during late evening personal reflections. Whether it be issues of love, illness, or abandonment, Hilton’s compositions and melodies bear repeat listening sessions. I found myself returning to this CD several times both in the intimate listening space of car audio as well as in quiet evening home audio settings. Hilton is backed by a front line of accomplished stars: Terell Stafford and J.D. Allen, who contribute to the moodiness that brings on active thought. “A Spark in the Night” would be at home in a detective noir movie as Allen and Stafford support Hilton’s catchy theme. “Seduction” is blues-based and haunting. “Whirlwind” has a bees nest of activity with the horns leading the way and August’s bass providing an active pulse. “Willow Weep for Me” has a sumptuous arrangement and Terell is a perfect choice for taking the lead on this classic track. The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” is […]