Moxie
Aerocade, 2025
9/10
The Brookings, South Dakota ensemble Chambers Winds Of South Dakota flesh out 7 involved pieces that recruit orchestral and chamber ideas that may bring to mind Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
The title track opens with the woodwind quintet blending the rich clarinets with the light flutes and well timed oboe amid Nicole Chamberlain’s playful keys, and “Tray” follows with a calmer mood that allows for Marie A. Douglas’ soulful horn to complement the soothing intimacy.
In the middle, “Where The Colors Fall” recruits 10 musicians that emit much atmosphere and sublime attention to layering, while “Passing Through” moves slow with a cinematic presence of wonder that illuminates Elizabeth Robinson and Stephanie Kocher’s dreamy flutes with precision.
The final track unfolds across 3 chapters, where “Concertino For Flute Solo, Chamber Winds, And Piano” offers bright and animated musicianship that dances with playfulness and intrigue.
A highly eloquent affair that thematically surrounds the landscape of Utah, the aftermath of Trayvon Martin’s death, and hardship of musicians following Covid, every selection here is flawlessly executed and appreciated.
Travels well with: Meerenai Shim- The Audacity; Rachel Yonan- Kiss On Wood