ACE Composers II
Ravello, 2023
8/10
A family affair that showcases the composing skills of Alan Schmitz and his two sons, Christopher and Eric, the contemporary chamber music sounds are fleshed out with strong attention to detail that illuminates the differences between each of the Schmitz’s vision.
Christopher’s contributions are early in the listen, where “Romanza” showcases Elizabeth Pridgen’s sublime piano and Amy Schwartz Moretti’s violin in the intimate climate, and “Bass Trombone Sonata (“Call Of The Opera”)” allows Denson Paul Pollard’s bass trombone and Kimberly Carballo’s keys to make for a soulful, playful display of dynamic interaction.
Alan handles the most amount of pieces, as “Evening Prayer” welcomes several voices to the flowing, spiritual demeanor of harmony and grace, while “Poeme Nocturne” pairs Emily Schmitz Mandonia’s violin and Lee Schmitz’s piano for the poetic and stirring disc highlight.
Eric shines late in the listen, where Robert Auler’s meticulous piano playing populates the 7 chapters of the melodic and reflective “Ballad Melody And Variations”, and “The Lamplighter” exits with the University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One on hand, as well as Christopher Merz’s tenor sax, Bob Washut’s piano and Josh Hakanson’s drums for the fuller, sweeping closer.
A listen that traverses late-Romantic phrases, distinct, experimental minimalism, and plenty of jazz friendly grooves, the Schmitz family certainly know how to navigate around a memorable and timeless chamber experience.
Travels well with: Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation; Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle