Search - Brian Slawson :: XClassics

XClassics, by Grammy nominated composer and percussionist Brian Slawson, is an extraordinary collection of musical arrangements based on classical masterpieces. An astonishing fusion of organic percussion and cutting edge electronics, X Classics has been chosen by NASA to serve as "wake up" music to the astronauts on the STS-114 Atlantis mission in 2004. "Great composers and courageous astronauts make likely bedfellows," says Slawson, "because they embody the essence and unlimited potential of the human spirit. By inserting the variable "X" into a classical music equation we can extend the music's traditional identity, and establish the very transformations that define its character." Throughout his career Slawson has pushed the musical frontier as might be expected from someone who was nominated for a Grammy while financing his Juilliard education by playing on the streets of New York City. A virtuoso percussionist with four Sony/CBS releases to his credit, Brian has appeared on the Tonight Show and Entertainment Tonight. Brian's inimitable style and remarkable renditions of classical masterpieces are a testimonial to his versatility. By functioning as writer, arranger, instrumentalist and engineer, the finished product is a result of his singular interpretation. XClassics is being released by Belltone, Slawson's independent record label. Find out why Modern Drummer magazine calls Slawson "visionary."