Myra Trio Melford - Alive in the House of Saints Part 1 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Gems of baroque music spirit and virtuosity, Handel's concertos for organ and orchestra were composed to serve as intermezzos during his oratorios. Played at the time by Handel himself - he was known to be an unequaled organist, these agile, tender and poetical pieces reveal a singular color... which Gaétan Jarry will interpret on the new InchgrandInch positive organ built by Quentin Blumenroeder for Versailles at last an organ that can convey Handel's music in all it's beauty! Responding to the instrumental jubilation expressed by the Marguerite Louise musicians, Handel's motets for one voice and orchestra will bring the audience the fire and freshness of his composition, in the exceptional interpretation of the soprano Chiara Skerath, a fine finale for this program full of jubilation and grace.

Myra Melford is a polystylist, who draws on and creates multiple playing styles. In Alive In The House Of Saints these include stomping classic jazz piano with a funky attack of Horace Silver, gospel plangency, Keith Jarrett's country and blues lyricism, and Don Pullen-style free jazz episodes. Though from quite early in her career, Alive In The House Of Saints, Parts 1 and 2 is one of her finest recordings - high on the musical power spectrum, and one of the most exciting albums of piano jazz. The members of the trio respond organically to one another - their creative empathy is clear throughout. Reggie Nicholson is a great, rather neglected drummer who, on this session, is on dazzling form. The result is a consummate live performance, full of feeling, in which no one is wrong-footed. Melford is alive to everything she hears, responding in the moment to her musical partners.

Janette Fl el - Renaissance Music for Flute & Lute [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/01/1997