New York Pretending To Be Paris
Albany, 2022
8/10
Listen to New York Pretending To Be Paris
The esteemed composer Eric Schorr chose poems for the compositions on this recording because they struck a chord with him emotionally and musically, and he made them even more appealing with a chamber sized acoustic orchestra.
Cynthia Zarin’s “Flowers” starts the listen with Eve Gigliotti’s expressive mezzo-soprano and Erika Switzer’s agile keys interacting with much grace and power, and “Morning (After) Commute”, by Thomas March, follows with Jesse Darden’s poetic tenor and Schorr’s piano prowess making for a highly melodic, lush climate.
Richie Hoffman’s “French Novel” lands in the middle and showcases Michael Kelly’s skilled baritone amid Cris Frisco’s very cautious keys, while “Liquid”, by Aaron Smith, meshes Kelly’s playful delivery with Frisco’s meticulous fingers.
“Mother” exits the listen and presents poems by Susan Kinsolving and Smith that are illuminated by all 3 vocalists and 3 different piano players for the intricate, soaring and textured finish.
You’ll hear bits of romantic sounds, jass, chanson and bossa nova here, as Schorr and company make for a very lyrical, articulate and alluring listen.
Travels well with: Don Walker- Some Women’s Voices; George Rochberg- Caprice Variations