Janet Simpson - Can I See You Tonight? - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Safe Distance - the new album from singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Janet Simpson, isn't a concept record, but it does take a journey. From Nashville to Reno (well, almost), to running away from demons, retreating from your troubles, hiding in plain sight, and returning liberated - ready to skip away again while your past looks on with a dropped jaw. But nothing here rambles aimlessly Simpson's characters long to get free (and succeed) while navigating it all with confident purpose. They are reflective but never middling. They hurt but move to healing - or take the time to care for others. And they don't shy away for a good time - even if they're having too much of one.

In his writing for strings, Stephen Dodgson revealed an abiding love of early music through his perceptive use of ornamentation, virtuoso displays and enthusiasm for variation form. Both String Trios reflect these elements and their slow movements- hymnal in the earlier work, valedictory in the later- are especially beautiful. The Sonatina in B minor for solo violin is simultaneously a tribute to Bach and a statement of Dodgson's own musical identity, while the very different 'Caprice after Puck' offers a complex exploration of the hobgoblin's sinister pranks. Exciting, innovative and passionate, Karolos comprises some of the UK's most eminent soloists and chamber musicians, including Craig Ogden (guitar), Graham Walker (cello), Harriet Mackenzie (violin), Juliette Bausor (flute), Maximiliano Martin (clarinet), Philippa Mo (violin), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) and Tanya Houghton (harp). Tailoring their programmes to suit each individual audience, Karolos is proud to offer concerts which range from core classics to premieres and performances of works by prominent and emerging composers.

Musica Poetica - Trio Sonatas & Sonatas [COMPACT DISCS] date 06/08/1995