Overture to orioles: solo piano

Abstract

Artist's statement: "The incentive to produce this recording came from The Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the banks of the Cannon River, Red Wing, Minnesota, where I was privileged to be in residence as a jazz composer in May, 1998. I won't soon forget how unseasonably warm the month was and how spring and summer wild flowers bloomed simultaneously on the Cannon Valley Trail. In this atmosphere of abundance, during a morning walk marked by strong contrast of sunlight and shadow, three Orioles landed in a nearby tree. I stopped for a few moments to listen to their plaintive song. In an enchanted state, I captured their melody and rhythm and during the rest of my residency, completed the title composition, 'Overture to Orioles on the Cannon Valley Trail.' Friends at The Anderson Center were taken with the piece and asked if I could produce a recording. In appreciation for their confidence in my work, I offer these piano compositions. They blend my classical, folk and blues influences with an ever-increasing proclivity to jazz."--Phyllis Goldin.