Extensions of Tradition(s)
UCLA Philharmonia, Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited, Ryan Laboy, Vocal Essence Chorus and Orchestra, Joanna Johnson, Nnenna Freelon, Mallarmé Chamber Players, Thalea String Quartet, Yolanda Williams, Dan Dressen, Neal Stulberg, Phillip Brunelle, Bill Banfield, William C. Banfield
Extensions of Tradition(s) is a collection of works by American composer William C. Banfield. It includes recent recordings of performances that document his current music/art aesthetic as well as an early symphonic choral work. In the past 25 years Banfield has produced a body of compositions, authored eight books, made numerous recordings, and maintained an active teaching career. He has served three times as a judge for the Pulitzer Prize in music and his music has been performed and recording by the foremost orchestras and chamber ensembles in the United States and abroad. With the compositions on this recording, Banfield has shared several of the genres that make up contemporary composition, and in his case, his music embodies the multiple styles of the American musical landscapes of modernist languages, including jazz and American song. Composer Libby Larsen says that "One of my favorite Bill Banfield quotes is "I have often felt that, with my art, I could build a room where everyone can find a friend." This is Bill Banfield.
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Track Listing
| Title | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Symphony | William C. Banfield | UCLA Philharmonia; Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited; Neal Stulberg (conductor) |
| Symphony 12 - I Trust Harlem is Still There | William C. Banfield | Ryan Laboy (baritone); Joanna Johnson (soprano); Vocal Essence Chorus and Orchestra; Phillip Brunelle (conductor) |
| El Pulchra Es | William C. Banfield | Nnenna Freelon (soprano); Mallarmé Chamber Players; William Banfield (conductor) |
| Soul Gone Home | William C. Banfield | Nnenna Freelon (soprano); Mallarmé Chamber Players; William Banfield (conductor) |
| The Bigger Blues - String Quartet No. 5 | William C. Banfield | Thalea String Quartet |
| Symphony No. 3 - Job's Song | William C. Banfield | Yolanda Williams (mezzo-soprano); Dan Dressen (tenor); Vocal Essence Chorus and Orchestra; Phillip Brunelle (conductor) |
Reviews
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Bill Banfield is, in the words of Cornel West, a Renaissance man. He is a composer, guitarist, author, educator, and activist; he has conducted cultural research with the Smithsonian and served as a Pulitzer Prize jury member. He has been a prominent figure in Boston's jazz scene for years His music is informed by what he calls composering: making music that is performer and community centered, that is "based on living in the world we see everyday."Banfield is unconcerned with the race to the top in "technical prowess and refinement"that is endemic in classical music-making these days; instead, his music is free from ego, relaxed yet engaged, with a welcoming friendliness. The works presented here come from across his career, performed, when possible, by the groups that commissioned them There are two choral symphonies, a short Peace Symphony, a string quartet, a movement from a chamber ballet (El Pulchra Es), and a short, one-role chamber opera titled Soul Gone Home His Quartet No. 5, The Bigger Blues (2018) retains the weight of a classical finale The latter (Soul Gone Home), by the way, is outstanding Nnenna Freelon rises to meet the demands of the role with expressiveness and flair Symphony 3 Job's Song the work is longer and there is dramatic weight befitting a symphony depicting biblical events.
*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.