Search - Imani Winds :: Classical Underground

Stunningly original

S. R. Collins | Cleveland, MS | 04/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an edgy, fresh look at the genre of the woodwind quintet. Instead of the typical 20th century (mostly French) literature that woodwind quintets typically perform, the Imani Winds have sought out (and composed) works by African American and Latin American composers. The result is an energetic, technically-demanding, and passionate recording of great music.



You'll never think of woodwind quintets the same way again.

-Shelley Collins, flute teacher in Cleveland, MS"

Winds of subversive change

S. Michael Bowen | Spokane, WA USA | 03/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wind quintets don't have to be staid; sometimes they're subversive. Imani Winds horn player Jeff Scott, for example, has arranged "Afro," the final movement of Cuban composer Paquito D'Rivera's Aires Tropicales (1994), adding a mysterious introduction with chimes, bongos, rattles and moans to the flute trills and bassoon ostinato, reinterpreting "what is on the page." On flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn, the five wind players of Imani -- it means "faith" in Swahili -- aim to create "urban classical music," and certainly their reading of Aires is less traditional than those of the Aspen and Dorian wind quintets.

Flutist Valerie Coleman has composed an Afro-Cuban Concerto for Wind Quintet that concludes with a galloping "Danza." Scott's arrangement of Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla's "Liber Tango" features clarinet pulses and horn shouts; he even layers R&B rhythms into his spiritual "Homage to Duke."

In the next four months, these Winds will swirl through Portland, Seattle and Eugene. If you've lost hope that there's anything new under the classical sun, they'll help you keep the Imani."

There is something special about Imani Winds.

S. Wolferman | Brooklyn, NY USA | 01/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vitality oozes from Imani Winds' latest release, Classical Underground. The quintet plays with astonishing virtuosity and a warm and tight sense of ensemble, but the freshness is what I find truly invigorating. This isn't your father's wind quintet. The diverse repertoire, which includes original music by two of the players, is full of joy and energy. At the same time, there is a serious and driven quality to the disc. Imani Winds seem to know that there is something different about them - and this realization comes across in an inspiring way.

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