Band Weblogs » Flute

Dwayne Kerr releases new CD featuring artists Erykah Badu & Kirk Whalum

bandweblogs — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:51:19 +0000

His masterful mix of sounds and grooves is the memorable variable that makes flutist Dwayne Kerr, of the Erykah Badu Band (Neda Stela), a rising figure in contemporary music today. Playing an instrument that traditionally has been heard more often than seen, Kerr has put the flute up front on display with his unique playing style in his debut CD, ‘Flutation’, which was released on DManns Records in January 2003. His new CD, ‘Higher Calling’, is a maturation of an artist that has evolved over several years in both the live setting and in the studio.

Dwayne Kerr was hired to play as a band member for Grammy award-winning Erykah Badu in 1998. While touring with Erykah Badu, Dwayne has played in Africa, Italy, Japan, throughout Europe and Scandinavia, on the all-female artists Lilith Fair Tour and television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV’s Real World, The Oprah Show, Live! With Regis and BET Live.

While touring and recording with Erykah Badu for the past several years, Dwayne Kerr added his sound to recordings including Ms. Badu’s version of the Chaka Khan hit, “Hollywood,” which is on the soundtrack/CD to the Spike Lee movie, Bamboozled, on Motown Records and Erykah’s song, “Today,” which is on the Red Star Sounds compilation CD on Epic Records. Kerr played on Erykah’s latest CD, ‘Worldwide Underground’, and her previous CD, ‘Mama’s Gun’, on Motown Records.

‘Higher Calling’ features guest appearances by Erykah Badu and Kirk Whalum.

“The combination of determination and artistry in Dwayne Kerr is something I would very frankly (and selfishly) like to clone for young aspiring musicians!” – Kirk Whalum

Dwayne Kerr Official Website

Laurel Zucker & Sara Andon-The Complete W.F. Bach Flute Duos

Guest Blogger — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:13:02 +0000

Laurel Zucker and Sara Andon combine their expertise as flautist in the realm of classical music. Both women are virtuoso performers, veterans that have performed and recorded for many years.

The Complete W.F. Bach Flute Duos is an ambitious set being that is a complete group of compositions featuring the genius of Bach. This is not new territory for either performer and that becomes rather obvious right from the start to the very end of the CD.

Laurel is brilliant with adapting her style of playing with other artists and this is yet another triumph for her. Sara is equally adept; in fact, it is very difficult to tell which artist is playing at any given moment, because they compliment each other so well. I imagine someone that has been listening to them for years would be able to pick out all the subtle nuances and varying tones; however, my ear is not trained as of yet to detect this. In the end, it did not matter to me as I enjoyed the entire recording.

Each musician has a way of taking each composition and making it their own and using their partner as a place to get answers to the call of their lovely notes that seamlessly flow out of their flutes. It is as if the ladies were pied pipers leading me into the forest of enchantment. Of course, this music is much more complex and difficult to play then some perky ditty on a woodwind; I found this to be a kind of magical frame of reference to use for my own entertainment. This is definitely a slice of heaven to be cherished and a great way to relax and appreciate one of the great master’s of music.

Tracks:

Duo # 1
01. Allegro (4:02)
02. Larghetto (3:59)
03. Vivace (3:09)

Duo # 2
04. Allegro ma non troppo (3:29)
05.Cantabile (3:00)
06. Alla breve (1:37)
07. Gigue Allegro (2:08)

Duo #3
08. Allegro (4:59)
09. Adalgo ma non malto (4:57)
10. Presto (4:23)

Duo #4
11. Allegro e moderato (5:19)
12. Lamentabile (6:20)
13.Presto (2:27)

Duo # 5
14. Un poco Allegro (7:18)
15. Largo (6:38)
16. Vivace (3:25)

Duo #6
17. Un poco Allegro (2:32)
18. Largo (5:46)
19. Vivace (2:02)

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Sara Andon
Title: The Complete W.F. Bach Flute Duos
Genre: Classical
Label: Cantilena Records
Website
CD Baby Link

Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro-Master Music for Flute & Piano

Guest Blogger — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:30:56 +0000

The long time team of Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro unite once again on a selection of compositions from influential composers Cesar Franck, Gabriel Faure, Claude Debussy, Franz Schubert, and Maurice Ravel on Master Music for Flute & Piano.

The title of the recording befits the 19 compositions covered on this comprehensive outing. Schubert gets extensive coverage through seven variations and the “Theme – Trochne Blumen.” While I found the entire recording beautifully done and valid, this particular broad honoring of Debussy is the most prolific and ever changing on the CD. The then the two main compositions are by Cesar Franck, which the artists feel is the most important classic. The flute and piano playing of Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are as usual, beyond reproach.

The consistency of the compositions is remarkable. I found the music sweeping and it left me mesmerized, unable to concentrate on anything else for very long. Of course, this would be the objective of any entertainer, and this marvelous couple does a fine job of capturing the essence and purpose of the original composer’s meaning.

Once again, I found myself captivated by classical music. What makes it all that much sweeter is that its independent classical musical on the label of the artist. Shapiro and Zucker serve as an inspiration to all artists from every genre on the globe. This is how you do it the indie way with class and style.

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Master Music for Flute & Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

Tracks:

01. Cesar Franck Sonata -Allegro ben moderato
02. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegro
03. Cesar Franck Sonata- Recitativo Fantaisia
04. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegretto poco mosso
05. Maurice Ravel – piece en Forme de Habanera
06. Gabriel Faure – Morceau de Concourse
07. Claude Debussy – The Little Shepherd
08. Franz Schubert – Introduction & Variations on a Theme from Mulle
09. Schubert – Theme -Trochne Blumen
10. Schubert – Variation 1
11. Schubert – variation 2
12. Schubert – variation 3
13. Schubert – variation 4
14. Schubert – variation 5
15. Schubert – variation 6
16. Schubert – variation 7
17. Darius Milhaud Sonatine – Tendre
18. Milhaud – Souple
19. Milhaud – Clair

Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro-Madrigal for Flute and Piano

bandweblogs — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 10:36:36 +0000

Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro continue their longstanding musical alliance with yet another superb release titled Madrigal for Flute and Piano. This is their seventh release on Cantilena Records. The duo is creating quite a legacy of classical renderings and this particular release is one the stands out amongst the many I have enjoyed over the years.

Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are in exceptional form performing music from various composers from the 18th and 19th century. Reineke, Gaubert, Hue, Boehm, and Doppler are the honored composers on this outing.

The term ‘madrigal’ has two distinct, unconnected meanings: a poetic and musical form of 14th-century Italy, and a 16th- or 17th-century setting of secular verse. This is ongoing education for me personally, both listening and understanding the meaning of the titles. I find it all very fascinating and can see how this beautiful music has lasted through the ages. Classical music is where it all starts and ends and everything we hear that is from a different genre stems from it. There was a day that I would have said that statement was rubbish but now I know much better.

The nine tracks take you through a story from a place far away in time with the ebb and tide of a musical ocean that seems to flow right over you while listening. This music is exciting, sad, tragic, and full of the many colors of the soul. Without uttering a word this music is so powerful, alone that it does need a single word to express itself. The flute is a beautiful instrument and if used properly it can bring out many different atmospheres, particularly when it combines with another instrument like a piano. The give and take that this dynamic duo formulates in each composition is an ongoing dialogue with their instruments that holds strong and true from the beginning to the end of this recording.

Madrigal for Flute and Piano is music that resonates through the universe and will continue to do so thanks to the fine artists performing, Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro. Thank you both for another classic that I intend to enjoy for many years to come.

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Madrigal for Flute and Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby
Link Website

1. Carl Reineke- Movement 1
2. Carl Reineke -Movement 2
3. Carl Reineke – Movement 3
4. Carl Reineke- Movement 4
5. Philippe Gaubert- Divertissement
6. Francois Doppler- Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Opus 26
7. George Hue- Fantasie
8. Philippe Gaubert – Madrigal
9. T. Boehm – Nel Cor Piu Variations

Laurel Zucker and Mark Delpriora-Romanza Andaluza for Flute and Guitar

bandweblogs — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 14:25:21 +0000

The flute and acoustic guitar are very compatible. In the realm of classical music, it can be a beautiful marriage between two delicate instruments. Laurel Zucker (flute) and Mark Delpriora (guitar) meld their musical minds for a beautiful recording of classical compositions. The musicians take a page out the books of many influential composers such as Joaquin Rodrigo and Enrique Granados. Because the heritage of the composers is Spanish, the recording carries with it a very strong flavoring of classical Spanish influence throughout.

Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar is supports the Spanish composer’s work very well. Each composer is different and the succinct Spanish atmosphere and culture comes through nicely through the two musicians own interpretations. Each present their vision clearly, Delpriora’s through his excellent guitar playing and Zucker via her airy and alluring tones from her flute. The two combined are like listening to a slice of heaven.

Although Laurel Zucker and Mark Delpriora have been working together since the 1970’s, this is their first CD. They will be performing for audiences in California and New York City this year and next year. After their touring is complete, the duo will go back into the recording studio and record two more albums.

This album will be appreciated not only by classical music lovers, but enjoyed by fans of Andres Segovia’s music as well.

01. Pablo de Sarasate- Romanza Andalouza, Opus 21, No.1
02. Emile Pessard – Andalouse, Opus 20
03. Maximo Pujol- Suite Buenos Aires- I. Pompeya
04. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires- II. Palermo
05. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires – III. San Telmo
06. Maximo Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires – IV. Microcentro
07. Joaquin Rodrigo – Aria Antiqua
08. Francisco Gonzalez – Danza de Los Amantes Efimeros
09. Maximo Pujol – Dos Aires Candomberos – I. Nubes de Buenos Aires
10. Maximo Pujol – Dos Aires Candomberos – II. Candombe de los Bueno
11. Joaquin Rodrigo- Serenata al Alba del Dia – Andante moderato
12. Joaquin Rodrigo-Serenata al Alba del Dia – Allegro
13. Enrique Granados – Villanesca
14. Enrique Granados-Danza Triste
15. Enrique Granados – Zambria

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Delpriora
Title: Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro – The Dark Side of the Flute

bandweblogs — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:03:58 +0000

Even in the world of classical, where the music and listeners are well educated and refined, you can find some humor in a serious world. Laurel Zucker (flute) and Marc Shapiro have united once again to record compositions that look at the darker side of music on The Dark Side of the Flute (a play on words with the Pink Floyd classic Dark Side of The Moon). As Laurel talks about in the liner notes, the flute is normally uplifting and bubbly; however looking at the darker places of the mind and the time and space that it inhabits is an entirely different way to use the instrument.

Zucker and Shapiro travel down the road of composers dating back to the 1700’s such as Christophe von Gluck. There are 13 tracks with two suites, tracks 3-7 and 9-11. The suites are the most impressive work as they take you through a story without words. Zucker’s flute carries with it emotion and the vicissitudes of life while Shapiro walks right alongside her, playing equally effective piano. The two instruments make musical interplay a joy to hear.

It has been a while since I explored the music of this renowned flutist and now I can renew my interest once again. There are four other recordings out now as well. Surely each one is quite different from the other and will challenge my imagination and heighten my senses. I enjoyed the pensive anticipation this music made me feel and the relaxing atmospheres suddenly changing to a faster pace and brooding mood. It all amounts to an amalgam of human emotions interpreted through beautiful classical music.

Tracks:

01. Frank Martin – Ballade for flute and piano
02. Kent Kennan – Night Soliloquy for flute and piano
03. John Harbison-Duo for flute and piano- Fanfare
04. Harbison duo – lullaby
05. Harbison duo – Intermezzo
06. Harbison duo – Dithyramb
07. Harbison Duo – Sonata and Coda
08. Charles Griffes- Poem for flute and piano
09. Hans Werner Henze – Sonatine for flute and piano -Moderato
10. Henze – Sonatine -andantino
11. Henze -Sonatine -Presto
12. Laurel Zucker -Pandora’s Box for solo flute
13. Christophe Gluck – Scene from Orpheus for flute and piano

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: The Dark Side of the Flute
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website