Rhapsody in Blue

by Blue Chamber Quartet

Overview

Several classically-trained chamber ensembles have found fresh inspiration in jazz, so the crossover repertoire of the Blue Chamber Quartet is not especially surprising, though the group's instrumentation is a bit novel. Comprised of harp, piano, vibraphone, and piano, this Austrian-German quartet has an adaptable tonal palette that works well in either classical or jazz music, though there is a certain traditional conservatory approach in the playing. The tracks that most display a flexible jazz feeling are Mark Glentworth's Blues for Gilbert and Allen Shawn's Three Dance Portraits, and they fulfill the group's promise of expanding stylistic parameters and permitting spontaneity and some improvisation. The more conventional arrangements are Leonard Bernstein's Overture to Candide, Isaac Albeniz's Suite espanola, and George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, which follow the originals closely without stretching much beyond the written notes. Yet this is the balancing act these musicians perform, and even though they seem to rely on classical discipline, they play with the tone colors and syncopated rhythms of jazz in appealing and inventive ways. They are sure to win many fans with this engaging 2015 release. ~ Blair Sanderson

Product Details

Release Date:	08/28/2015
Label:	Coviello Classics
UPC:	4039956915102
Rank:	13599

Tracks

1. Overture to Candide
2. Suite espa¿¿ola~Aragon
3. Suite espa¿¿ola~Granada
4. Suite espa¿¿ola~Asturias
5. Blues for Gilbert
6. Three Dance Portraits~Lilting
7. Three Dance Portraits~Grazioso
8. Three Dance Portraits~Hard Edged
9. Rhapsody in Blue

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Blue Chamber Quartet   Primary Artist,Ensemble

Technical Credits

Isaac Albeniz   Composer
Charlie Harmon   Arranger
Regina Eimler   Art Direction
Blue Chamber Quartet   Producer
Susanne Lowien   Booklet Editor
Thomas Schindl   Arranger
Cordi Vilaprinyo   Arranger
Michael Schaefer   Liner Notes
Thomas Jakobi   Booklet Editor
Mark Glentworth   Composer
Hans-Joerg Maucksch   Mixing,Editing,Recording Producer
Olaf Mielke   Producer
Katja Seebohm   Liner Note Translation
Allen Shawn   Composer
Moritz Bergfeld   Producer
Leonard Bernstein   Composer
George Gershwin   Composer