LAVENA | IN YOUR HANDS | #1 Billboard Traditional Classical Chart
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“The EP’s latest single “A Minor Fantasy” is centered around skittering drum beats, shimmering synth arpeggios, regal sounding horns and ethereal vocals placed within an expansive and cinematic-leaning song structure.”
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“they are off for a journey through jazz, dream pop, triphop and classical music.”
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“With their sound, Late Aster looks to draw out the intimacy and versatility of instruments commonly relegated to a passive, secondary role in rock music.”
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“True and Toxic is a collection of musical sketches on the modern human condition. Focused on relationships, politics, science, and digital society…”
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“I thought the way the piece moves through the harmony would suit it well for an additional melody on top, which became the vocal melody.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“And then it is more besides, a new take on the Contemporary Modern as a whole and undoubtedly of interest to anyone who wants to keep current and looks for something very musical as well as very new. Highly recommended.”
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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.
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“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.”
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Imani Winds musicians Monica Ellis and Toyin Spellman-Diaz talk about the role of music in responding to crisis and helping us move forward.
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“The sadness of the lyrics really comes to fore in this stripped down arrangement”
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IMANI WINDS | BRUITS | #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts
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“In Judah Adashi’s movingly tender my heart comes undone Johanson’s cello weaves in and out of a single melodic line that ascends musically towards a quiet ending.”
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“NEW TO YOUTUBE | Cellist LAVENA Performs "My Heart Comes Undone. The work was written by composer Judah Adashi as a Valentine’s Day gift to his wife, LAVENA”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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