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Meridian Arts Ensemble:
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Meridian Arts Ensemble:
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"Prime
Meridian: The longitude from which all other longitudes
are reckoned either east or west. These words grace the liner notes of the Meridian Arts Ensemble's (MAE) latest release, Prime Meridian, and can quite easily be thought of as the ensemble's mission statement. Prime Meridian features a daring and diverse collection of compositions by various 20th Century composers. With most ensembles exploring the vast landscape of mainstream composers, there are many compositions that are rarely ever played, let alone recorded. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that an ensemble performing and recording material from such eclectic and diverse backgrounds should be applauded. It demonstrates an appreciation for the compositions, and a respect for the composers who wrote them. Prime Meridian features music by the following composers: - Igor Stravinsky - Frank Zappa - Kenny Wheeler - Captain Beefheart - Milton Babbitt - Jon Nelson - Rich Shemaria - Herbie Hancock - Frank London Works by Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Herbie Hancock, and Frank London received custom arrangements by members of the MAE. Jon Nelson (trumpet), Daniel Grabois (horns, alto saxaphone, percussion), Benjamin Herrington (trombone), and Raymond Stewart (tuba) each contribute arrangements. The disk opens with Igor Stravinsky's (1881-1971) 42 second, 12-tone composition for two trumpets, entitled Fanfare for a New Theater. Composed in 1964 for the opening of the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, it offers a perfect lead-in to a block of Frank Zappa (1940-1993) compositions arranged by the MAE's Jon Nelson. Jon contributes arrangements for Peaches en Regalia, Let's Make the Water Turn Black, Oh No, Igor's Boogie, Eat That Question, and Echidna's Arf. Masterfully performed, the MAE breaths energy and feeling into each piece. From the driving backbeat of Let's Make the Water Turn Black and tight interplay of melodic lines between two trumpets in Peaches en Regalia, to the sensitive solo trumpet introduction to Eat That Question, it's evident members of the MAE harbor a familiarity and respect for Zappa's work. And in the tradition of Frank Zappa, all tunes segue. Kenny Wheeler's (b.1930) Song for Someone is a wonderfully sensitive composition arranged specifically for the MAE in 1992. Originally written for big band, the Canadian born Kenny Wheeler, who now lives in England, arranged this composition for two flugelhorns, french horn, trombone, and tuba. The instrumentation provides a soft timbre that complements the composition's harmonic and melodic content. Both Daniel Grabois and Jon Nelson contribute their arranging talents to six Captain Beefheart (b.1941) compositions: Ice Rose, A Carrot is as Close as a Rabbit Gets to a Diamond, When I see Mommy I Feel Like a Mummy, Apes-Ma, Dropout Boogie, and Suction Prints. Daniel Grabois plays alto sax and provides the vocals for these pieces. An intriguing set of pieces that demonstrate the MAE's wide range of ability. The vocals follow Beefheart's vocal style, and were recorded through a PA system, live during the performance. The performance is representative of how the ensemble might sound during a live concert. In 1993, composer and Princeton educator Milton Babbitt (b.1916) composed a piece for the MAE entitled Fanfare for All. The MAE premiered this work at the 25th anniversary celebration for Princeton University's Summer Chamber Concert, and includes the composition on Prime Meridian. Milton Babbitt's compositional style reduced the composing process to a designated order of notes, rhythms, and intervals. He challenged Schoenberg's use of serialism by adding to his compositions more components than Webern would ever have considered. Babbitt's works have been touted as having been responsible for stimulating a second 20th century musical revolution. The MAE's recording of Fanfare for All is a worthy inclusion of historic importance. The MAE's Jon Nelson (b.1966) composed and arranged two works that are included on Prime Meridian: Song for a Dead King, and Paterson 2:35. Like Zappa's humorous account of a factual event in Illinois Enema Bandit, Nelson's Song for a Dead King humorously pokes fun at people who believe Elvis is still alive, and that he was "...working at the supermarket every day last week." Paterson 2:35 was inspired by Nelson's impressions of playing the Latin club circuit of New York. Paterson 2:35 proves to be an eloquent close to Prime Meridian. Rich Shemaria (b.1955) contributes Pandora's Magic Castle to the MAE's repertoire. A blend of Cuban and Spanish rhythms compliment splendid brass arranging, rich with harmonic and melodic content. The rhythm is periodically enhanced by syncopation of the horns, which serve to bridge the gap between melody, harmony, and rhythm. Further into the piece, rich inner voicings and a swing tempo provide a jazz feel, and demonstrate Shemaria's experience at composing and arranging for big band. A very adept blend of North American jazz and Cuban/Spanish rhythms, Pandora's Magic Castle is compositionally reminiscent of Stan Getz' collaboration with Joa Gilberto, which resulted in the mating of North American jazz with the South American samba, producing the bossanova. Pandora's Magic Castle futher demonstrates how facile the MAE is with decidedly different forms of music. Herbie Hancock's (b.1940) Jessica is a lilting and delicate composition, sensitively arranged by the MAE's Benjamin Herrington. With the melody line and chordal harmonies carried by trumpets and flugelhorn, the tuba supplies a consistent harmonic voice. Solos are taken by french horn (Daniel Grabois) and trombone (Benjamin Herrington). Jessica and trombone (Benjamin Herrington). Jessica maintains the feel of a jazz quartet while incorporating mature, lush horn arrangements that are soft, delicate, and beautiful. A true blend of musical influences, Frank London's (b.1958) Shvitz Suite was composed as thematic material for Jonathan Berman's film, The Shvitz. Melody lines are inspired from east European Jewish musical influences. The addition of electric guitar adds color to portions of the work, while the piece moves through various musical ideas and feels, maintaining its Jewish lyricism. Shvitz Suite blends many musical styles ranging from rock to jazz, all of which the MAE perform with conviction. With an endless quantity of material yet to be explored, the MAE have recorded a bold selection of works. The performance is first rate, the recording is ambient, and the material is eclectic. At 70 minutes, Prime Meridian proves to be a fine addition to any collector interested in 20th Century composition. Who are the MAE Anyway? For those not familiar with the Meridian Arts Ensemble, the MAE is a six piece chamber ensemble consisting of:
The MAE is not just another ensemble. They have gained acceptance as one of America's finest chamber ensembles, and have rightfully earned this title. In 1990 the MAE received first place at the Concert Artists' Guild New York Competition, and in 1994 they received first place in the ASCAP/Chamber Music America for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. They have toured the United States, Europe, and Japan, and recently played Bogota, Columbia, South America. Wherever the MAE perform, they receive praise, and rightly so. The MAE have recorded three other releases, in addition to the recent release of Prime Meridian: 2/91 - "Brass
Quintet" Label: Channel
Classics CCS 2191 (Winning Artist series) 3/93 - "Smart
Went Crazy" Label: Channel
Crossings CCS 4196 11/94 - "Visions
of the Renaissance" Label:
Channel Classics CCS 6594 With a seemingly endless list of performance credits, and having played many of the finest halls in the United States and around the world, the MAE continues to tour and perform. The MAE's recognition by the Concert Artist Guild has helped them expand their talents, record their works, and ensure many years of continued success; success they've earned. |
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