Lam / Various - Hurrying to the Flower Show - Popular Pipa Music - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Lam Fung - Popular Pipa Music [COMPACT DISCS] date 06/10/2016

Alongside their respective solo careers, Hélène Mercier and Louis Lortie regularly meet to perform as a highly sought-after piano duo. Both born and raised in Montreal, they have formed a musical partnership that goes back to the 1980s, developing a musical intimacy present throughout their wide-ranging repertoire. Their complicity has been strengthened over decades of playing concerts and recording together. This, their ninth album for Chandos, continues their exploration of works by Debussy. The programme features transcriptions by Ravel, Dutilleux, Woollett, Durand, Roques, and the composer of some of his best-known orchestral works (Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, Nocturnes) and solo piano pieces (Clair de lune, La Soirée dans Grenade, La plus que lente, Rêverie). These sit alongside Lindaraja and en blanc et noir, original compositions for two pianos. Mercier and Lortie alternate the first- and second-player responsibilities in this mixture of works for two pianos and piano duet.

Trumpeter Clive Wilson and his New Orleans Serenaders are back with their newest recording of New Orleans traditional jazz. The Serenaders are clarinetist Tommy Sancton, trombonist Freddie John, pianist Butch Thompson, bassist Tom Saunders and drummer Norman Emberson. 14 tracks including Panama, King Porter Stomp, Ostrich Walk, Wild Man Blues, Lyin' to Myself, Heart Full of Rhythm and many other classics.