FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOMAGE is a tribute to the rich legacy of African American composers, meticulously curated by clarinetist Marcus Eley. Label: Imaginary Animals.
Album Credits: Produced by Susan Frederick and Marcus Eley; Recording engineers: Justin Armstrong; Recording, editing, and mixing: Mathew Snyder (Allegro Recordings, LLC); Editing and mixing: Tom Weir and Nellie McGrew (Studio City Sound); Mastering: Immersive Audio Mastering (Dolby Atmos) by Studio City Sound; Photography: Alisa Banks Photography; Cover art: Blythe Gaissert; Recording locations: New Orleans, LA and Burbank, CA.
Following the triumphant performance/standing ovation of his Symphony No. 4: Juneteenth, at UCLA's Royce Hall on June 5th, Professor Emeritus Earl Louis Stewart will be heard on Homage, a new album release by renowned clarinetist, Marcus Eley. Eley recorded Stewart's “Majestic” - the first movement of his Rhythm Sonata 11B, arranged for clarinet. It has been pre-released on a studio album to be available on every major streaming platform.
The album has an official release date of August 30th of this year, featuring music for clarinet, string trio, and quartet by African American composers. The album is rich with diverse styles, from spirituals to folk themes, and jazz-inspired compositions.
In “Majestic”, Marcus Eley’s clarinet sings with weaving melodies and is elegantly complimented by four strings: two violins, viola, and violoncello. Rhythm Sonata’s other two movements, “Larghetto” and “Moderato e Animato”, II and III respectively, and the first movement, “Majestic, are a stylish trio of jazz fugues governed by ever-present rhythm; hence, Rhythm Sonata is a bold modern-day jazz version of the eighteenth-century Baroque trio sonata. When asked about the inspiration behind his unique and innovative composition, Stewart had this to say: the trio sonata was a good median to express jazz; The variations of figured bass (originally played by the harpsicord), were nothing more than the number of intervals that constituted a chord, which is similar to the chord-symbol technique used throughout jazz; I interpreted the medium of the trio sonata like the modern rhythm section.
Stewart developed his jazz prowess as a trumpeter at age twelve. As a teenager, he began performing with jazz notables and writing head arrangements. Soon after, he attended Southern University in New Orleans, LA, where he learned to write jazz composition under his mentor, the late jazz great Alvin Batiste. Stewart would go on to achieve a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Texas Austin where he studied Western classical music. He is a professor emeritus of the University of California and is one of the preeminent experts on the cultural foundations of African-American music. His compositions are represented by the American Composers Alliance.
Marcus Eley is an acclaimed clarinetist known for his dedication to showcasing diverse composers and expanding the classical music repertoire. With a career that spans decades, Eley has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional performances and commitment to musical excellence. Homage offers listeners a glimpse into the vibrant intricacies of American music. From the soulful rhythms of Alvin Batiste to the tender introspection of Herbert Franklin Mells, each piece honors the contributions of trailblazing composers who have left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. “This album is a celebration of the profound impact African American composers have had on the world of classical music,” proclaimed Eley. “Through these pieces, we aim to shine a light on their enduring legacy and inspire a deeper appreciation for their work.”