Layers of Poetry, Piano, and Silence Resonate with the Latest from Composer Maike Zazie
Stillness and language resonate with a beautiful message on Fragmente, a fantastic new release from the Berlin-centric composer Maike Zazie.
Andy Jurik
Andy Jurik is a performer, educator, and writer based out of Asheville, NC. He holds a D.M.A. in guitar performance (music theory minor) from the University of South Carolina; his dissertation focused on the classical/jazz fusion of third stream music. Fascinated with the genre-crossing possibilities of the acoustic guitar, his arrangements for the instrument range from Scottish lute music and Brazilian choro to Radiohead and the Beatles. Andy currently teaches at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Presbyterian College. He is fueled by coffee, bourbon, and red wine in varying quantities.
Old and New Worlds Meld on Esther Lamneck’s ‘Tárogató Constructions’
Woodwind virtuoso Esther Lamneck interacts with live electronics on her latest from Innova, Tárogató Constructions.
Marc Mellits and New Music Detroit Shred, Soothe, and Smolder on Their First Recorded Collaboration
The hippest composer in post-minimalism today, Marc Mellits, receives an excellent tribute from the superb contemporary music ensemble, New Music Detroit.
Echo Collective Pays a Glorious Homage to Radiohead’s ‘Amnesiac’
Echo Collective Plays Amnesiac is a stunning record of vibrant highs and sedated lows, interpreted with irresistible grace and wit by a stellar group of musicians.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Gets Hypnotic with ‘Book of Sound’
Rich in texture and depth, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble's Book of Sound is a departure from funk and jazz. Nonetheless, it's packed with lush vibes and a soulful backbone.
Sarah Cahill Honors Terry Riley in a Moving, Pristine Four-Disc Collection
Eighty Trips Around the Sun: Music by and for Terry Riley is a massive tribute in honor of the pioneering composer on his 80th birthday. A labor of love and admiration from Sarah Cahill, unquestionably one of the finest pianists of our age.
‘Pulse/Quartet’ Is a Testament to Steve Reich’s Engaging Compositional Voice
With contributions from the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Colin Currie Group, Steve Reich’s Pulse/Quartet is a shining work from a modern master.
Modern Music Icons Laurie Anderson and Kronos Quartet Collaborate with Heart-stopping Beauty
There's no mistaking that Landfall is an album heavy with gloom and grief. Nonetheless, it's beautiful and an excellent first collaboration between Anderson and Kronos.
Thomas Strønen’s Time Is a Blind Guide Delivers Thoughtful Improvisations and Stellar Group Dynamics on ‘Lucus’
Adapting to a new pianist clearly hasn't been a challenge. Fusing jazz, classical, and striking modern aesthetics, Thomas Strønen's Lucus is a beautiful reflection on musical freedom.
Heidevolk Trace Norse History on Their Latest Release ‘Vuur van Verzet’
Documenting Germanic resistance against the Roman Empire, Vuur van Verzet is a heavy yet textured work from the Scandinavian sextet Heidevolk.
‘Sting: From Northern Skies to Fields of Gold’ Documents Travel, Evolving Perspectives
Observing Sting's career through the lens of home and travel, Paul Carr presents a striking portrait of a musician coming to grips with his long neglected hometown.
‘Obsidian’ Is an Intriguing Debut From Promising Young Jazz Talent Kit Downes
Comprised almost entirely of organ solos, Obsidian is an unusual and beautiful record from rising star Kit Downes.