Search - Chris Brubeck, Paul Freeman, Sara Jobin :: Chris Brubeck: Convergence [Hybrid SACD]

Chris Brubeck, Paul Freeman, Sara Jobin
Chris Brubeck: Convergence [Hybrid SACD]
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. Convergence, for orchestra: The Journey
2. Convergence, for orchestra: Reminiscence in Blues
3. Convergence, for orchestra: La Grande Parade du Funk
4. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: Water
5. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: The Storm is Coming
6. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: Moon Song
7. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: Goldfish
8. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: The River
9. River of Song, for 2 vocal soloists & orchestra: maggie and milly and molly and may
10. Prague Concerto, for trombone & orchestra: The Return of the Prince
11. Prague Concerto, for trombone & orchestra: Song of the Mountains
12. Prague Concerto, for trombone & orchestra: Dance of the Neocons

CD Details

All Artists: Chris Brubeck, Paul Freeman, Sara Jobin, Frederica von Stade, Czech National Orchestra, Tassajara Symphony, Rachel Luxon
Title: Chris Brubeck: Convergence [Hybrid SACD]
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Koch Int'l Classics
Original Release Date: 1/1/2005
Re-Release Date: 10/18/2005
Album Type: Hybrid SACD - DSD
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Concertos, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 099923765325

Synopsis

Amazon.com

This CD presents a fine selection of music by Chris Brubeck, son of jazz great Dave Brubeck and quite a good composer/musician himself. Though entirely jazz- and pop-influenced, the varied program would not be out of place in the concert hall, and indeed, "Convergence" was commissioned by the Boston Pops. It is a three-movement, 15-minute piece, beginning with great drama, with a languorous middle movement with dark string tones that then turns into a jaunty, faraway Dixieland March. It's not a challenging piece, but it keeps surprising. The second work is a series of six songs, five based on poems by children on the theme of nature, specifically, water, and one by e e cummings. It's a wonderful cycle (Frederica von Stade, who sings some of the songs, commissioned the work). One song features a piano ostinato, another is jazzy and fun with high coloratura (sung by Rachel Luxon); another features a jazz piano solo and slide trombone accents. The last work is the "Prague" Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra, and it's a fine workout for that instrument and vastly entertaining to boot. The Czech Natinal Symphony Orchestra play handsomely under Paul Freeman. Is this CD "crossover?" I don't know, but I'm going to listen to it often. --Robert Levine

CD Reviews

This disc is awesome!

Penny | New Rochelle | 12/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly, I need to note that this disc CAN be played on any CD player - it is a hybrid SACD, meaning it has a layer of standard CD material, and a layer of surround sound material. If you have the chance to hear this disc in surround, it is an exciting experience - Chris Brubeck writes for not only the orchestra on stage, but also smaller ensembles in balconies and marching bands moving through the hall and off stage. The surround listening experience imitates these effects incredibly well - one can close his eyes and hear the marching band moving from side to side, back to front, etc. The experience of listening to this disc in standard CD stereo form is no less exciting, just without the impression of movement throughout the orchestral parts.

Brubeck's compositional style is edging on a new American sound - he mixes his talents as a classical composer, orchestrator and performer (he is a conservatory trained trombone player - check out his monster performance on the Prague Concerto on this disc!) with his experiences as a jazz composer/performer (having played with his father Dave, and his own jazz and folk groups over the years), and creates a sound world that bridges both worlds so comfortably. I'm always waiting to see what this composer comes up with next!

This disc is wholeheartedly recommended."

Convergence is Spectacular

Phil Reiss | Columbia CA | 12/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In May 2001, my wife and I heard the second performance of Convergence: A Concerto for Pops Orchestra, by Chris Brubeck (world premiere was the night before) at the Boston Pops with Keith Lockhart. Ever since then, we have been waiting anxiously for a recording to come out. Here it is! The only thing that exceeds this CD is to see the performance live. Musicians play from the balcony, and back stage, an effect that can't quite be captured on the CD. The CD is spectacular; not only containing Convergence but also River of Song, and Prague Concerto for Bass Trombone, both remarkable compositions. Chris has inherited the genes from his dad, Dave Brubeck and Chris is a talented classical/jazz composer. You will love this CD if you are a fan of the Brubeck family.

Phil Reiss

Columbia CA"