Mad Dances: American Music for Saxophone and Piano

Russell Hirshfield (piano), Daniel Goble (saxophone), Daniel Goble (soprano saxophone), Daniel Goble (alto saxophone)

Catalog #: TROY1251
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Format: Digital
Instrumental

MAD DANCES? Mad indeed! This collection of American music for saxophone and piano is a representation of the wonderfully "mad" and spectacular contemporary saxophone repertoire. There is a uniquely mad-like quality to all of these works: this madness is presented in many different ways, using the definition of "mad" quite loosely. Libby Larsen's Holy Roller is full of madness, invoking the intensity of revival meetings and sermons of "holy roller" type preachers. Skookum Suite, by Kevin Isaacs is inspired by the Sasquatch, or "Skookum," who becomes "mad, sad and glad" as he is discovered by humans, escapes, and finds true love. William Albright actually provided us with our album title in the second and fourth movements of his brilliant Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, while David Diamond's sonata allows us a brief respite from madness with his eloquently composed and truly American work. The collection ends with an arrangement of David Del Tredici's Acrostic Song from Final Alice...well, what could be madder than the Mad Hatter? All this given brilliant performances by the esteemed saxophone player, Dan Goble, and pianist Russell Hirshfield.

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Track Listing

Title Composer Performer
Holy Roller Libby Larsen Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano
Skookum Suite, Op. 112 Kevin Jay Isaacs Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano
Sonata William Albright Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano
Sonata David Diamond Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano
Acrostic Song from Final Alice David Del Tredici Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

Reviews

  • "[Dan] Goble...always goes for it, calling on the full dynamic resources of his instrument and fearlessly traveling to its extremes. ...Hirshfield is a highly skilled and flexible artist who digs into the thorny passages, yet renders the handful of special moments with wonderful touch and sincerity."

    – American Record Guide

  • "Goble's saxophone technique is solid and smooth; he never breaks or cracks...one cannot help but admire Goble and Hirshfield's talents in playing such difficult music with great technique and, most of all, a sense of fun."

    – All Music Guide

  • "...fascinating, engaging, and significant works, expertly played by the soloist. ...All in all, a very recommendable release..."

    – Fanfare

*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.