States of Play
BRIDGE 9564

"States of Play", solos and duos by Robert Carl and John McDonald, features bassist Robert Black, violist Scott Woolweaver, and John McDonald, playing the keyboard parts of the solos and duos with the string players.  The recording is a  retrospective of joint projects undertaken over the past couple of decades by Carl and McDonald.  McDonald writes that  "as longtime creative friends and mutual admirers, it seemed natural to team up here with Robert, Robert, and Scott for some ‘excavating’ as well as some new discovering. "States of Play" thus represents this rediscovery-by-excavating, primarily through Robert Carl’s music written between 1987 and 2018. Following Robert’s invitation to contribute some music of my own, I’ve offered two  piano pieces to this States of Play lineup that were both completed during 2016 and 2017."  A special collaboration!

Reviews:

"I find this album to be a rich, joyous and life-affirming tribute to the role of community in shaping the artistic voice. From mentors and colleagues to collaborators and students alike, the album explores the essential role of human relationships in informing how artists explore the world around them, ask questions and test the limits of media within the artistic traditions they inherit. Lastly, the album embodies the kind of inclusive and cooperative spirit for which I often thirst amidst the adamant cultural standoffs that seem to define the ethos of our times. I will make a point of remembering and revisiting this album for years to come." — Classical Music Daily

BRIDGE 9564