To A Green Thought In A Green Shade
New Focus, 2026
9/10
Listen to To A Green Thought In A Green Shade
The composer Peter Green enlists an excellent cast for these 11 diverse tracks where he often plays keys in the chamber and classical settings.
“Heights” starts with Zachary Good playing the alto recorder with a playful spirit in the solo climate, and “Copse Of Trees” follows with Ben Roidl-Ward’s bassoon and Kramer’s keys interacting with a distinct mood that’s mysterious and even a bit haunting.
Entering the middle, “In Miniature” pairs John Popham’s meticulous cello with Kramer’s soft keys that radiate an atypical and minimal atmosphere that’s emotive, while “Pietá” benefits from Pala Garcia’s violin, Popham’s cello and Renate Rohlfing’s piano which emits a cinematic quality across 17 minutes of unpredictable and intimate ideas.
Moving close to the end, “ Three Children’s Pieces” unfolds across 3 segments where just Kramer’s keys draw us in to the precise progressions that are strong on tonality, and “Heights (Clarinet Version)” exits with Good playing the wind with a frisky and animated ability that makes an impression.
Kramer has an excellent resume as a composer, keyboardist and educator, and his ability to shine in solo, duo and trio settings makes for a timeless body of work that draws from his vast framework of songs.
Travels well with: Richard Carrick- I’Algérie; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn