Mad Dances
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ALBRIGHT | DIAMOND DEL TREDICI
Mad Dances TROY1251 - Price: $16.99
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A wonderful collection of spectacular contemporary saxophone repertoire.

MAD DANCES? Mad indeed! This collection of American music for saxophone and piano is a representation of the wonderfully "mad" and spectacular contemporary saxophone repertoire. There is a uniquely mad-like quality to all of these works: this madness is presented in many different ways, using the definition of "mad" quite loosely. Libby Larsen's Holy Roller is full of madness, invoking the intensity of revival meetings and sermons of "holy roller" type preachers. Skookum Suite, by Kevin Isaacs is inspired by the Sasquatch, or "Skookum," who becomes "mad, sad and glad" as he is discovered by humans, escapes, and finds true love. William Albright actually provided us with our album title in the second and fourth movements of his brilliant Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, while David Diamond's sonata allows us a brief respite from madness with his eloquently composed and truly American work. The collection ends with an arrangement of David Del Tredici's Acrostic Song from Final Alice...well, what could be madder than the Mad Hatter? All this given brilliant performances by the esteemed saxophone player, Dan Goble, and pianist Russell Hirshfield.
Contents:
Libby Larsen, composer
Holy Roller
Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

Kevin Jay Isaacs, composer
Skookum Suite, Op. 112
Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

William Albright, composer
Sonata
Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

David Diamond, composer
Sonata
Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

David Del Tredici, composer
Acrostic Song from Final Alice
Dan Goble, saxophone, Russell Hirshfield, piano

Review:
"[Dan] Goble...always goes for it, calling on the full dynamic resources of his instrument and fearlessly traveling to its extremes. ...Hirshfield is a highly skilled and flexible artist who digs into the thorny passages, yet renders the handful of special moments with wonderful touch and sincerity." (American Record Guide)

"Goble's saxophone technique is solid and smooth; he never breaks or cracks...one cannot help but admire Goble and Hirshfield's talents in playing such difficult music with great technique and, most of all, a sense of fun." (All Music Guide)

"...fascinating, engaging, and significant works, expertly played by the soloist. ...All in all, a very recommendable release..." (Fanfare)