“The music is stylistically varied, including stretches of skillfully constructed atonality, effectively creating a mood of turmoil and disease”
Read More
“This features both excellent performances of wonderful 21st-century music and too-necessary commentary about the state of our country”
Read More
“The metaphor at the heart of this new album by the quintet Imani Winds is spelled out on the cover: “Bruits” in large, boldface type, above a pronunciation guide and a definition: “Noises made by blood moving through obstructed arteries indicating the body is at risk.” As a homophone it also brings to mind “brutes” — brute force, brutality.”
Read More
“The metaphor at the heart of this new album by the quintet Imani Winds is spelled out on the cover: “Bruits” in large, boldface type, above a pronunciation guide and a definition: “Noises made by blood moving through obstructed arteries indicating the body is at risk.” As a homophone it also brings to mind “brutes” — brute force, brutality.”
Read More
The album features three world-premiere recordings: Vijay Iyer’s Bruits; Reena Esmail’s The Light is the Same; and Frederic Rzewski’s Sometimes—all of which speak directly to current social and political issues, and tell stories about people whose lives have made a difference in our world.
Read More
“The members' sterling command of their respective instruments impresses, but it's the connectedness exemplified by their ensemble playing that makes Imani Winds the special outfit it is.”
Read More
Imani Winds musicians Monica Ellis and Toyin Spellman-Diaz talk about the role of music in responding to crisis and helping us move forward.
Read More
IMANI WINDS | BRUITS | #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts
Read More
“It means a legacy, and it means, frankly, Black excellence. It means the ability to share our joys and what we think is important in the world of classical music. It means inspiration to a whole new generation, because we've been doing this so long.”
Read More
“Program from the heart, and people will follow. Design events that attract the communities you want to attract. Is there easy transportation to the hall? Is there child care? Is there food that everyone can afford? You have to design events as opposed to concerts.”
Read More
“These stories are told with impeccable artistry and versatility from Imani Winds and their featured guests, and the result is an album that will challenge, educate, and empower all who listen.”
Read More
“Bruits is powerful. It is provocative. It is timely. It is heart-wrenching,” writes Monica Ellis. “It makes both the listener and the performer—especially me, as a performer and the mother of a Black boy—feel a way that few pieces of music allow.”
Read More