From the category archives:

Sonic Perspectives

Album Review: The Dueling Fiddlers’ ROCK VIOLIN – A Melodious Mashup of Popular and Classical Music

January 21, 2011

I’ve listened to quite a few classical crossover albums, and several of them have been cheesy enough to melt over a plate of nachos. The Dueling Fiddlers’ Rock Violin is the first album I’ve come across which marries pop and classical music into a respectable mashup. Adam DeGraff (former concertmaster of the Richmond Symphony) and [...]

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Album Review: AB III by Alter Bridge

December 15, 2010

Thanks to EMI for sending us a copy to review AB III. Alter Bridge’s new album, AB III , affirms the band has broken away from the Creed façade and fully reinvented itself.  Granted, the original members of Creed re-joined with Stapp to produce a new album that was average at best.  But make no mistake [...]

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Album Review: Kremerata Baltica Fuels the Soul with De Profundis

December 14, 2010

Contrapuntist and I recently attended a performance by Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica as part of their tour supporting their newly released album, De Profundis (you can find our review here). Kremer included a personal statement in the program about the album, which is dedicated to “all those who refuse to be silenced”. Here’s an [...]

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Concert Review: Kremer & Kremerata Baltica Perform with Exquisite Clarity and Boundless Energy

November 9, 2010

This past Saturday, Contrapuntist and I attended a performance by Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica at the Harris Theater. The concert marked the ensemble’s only Midwest appearance during their 2010-2011 tour. The program included several works off of their recently released album, De Profundis, which Kremer dedicated to “all those who refuse to be [...]

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Album Review: Static Impulse by James LaBrie

October 29, 2010

Static Impulse is James LaBrie‘s most well-rounded and daring solo project to date. Many listeners have been put off by drummer Peter Wildoer‘s screaming vocals in several of the tracks. But those who can set aside their preconceptions will find a healthy balance of muscular metal, rock tunes (minus the growls), and a sensitive ballad. [...]

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Taylor and Elixir Strings Crank Up “Test Drive Electric” Contest for Emerging Artists

October 28, 2010

Do you think you have what it takes to be the next music star? Well here is your chance to prove it.  Taylor Guitars and Elixir® Strings are giving emerging artists the unique opportunity to kick their careers and guitar rigs into high gear with Test Drive Electric 2010. Together with Sonicbids.com, Taylor and Elixir are [...]

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Concert Review: Gil Shaham and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

October 25, 2010

Contrapuntist and I had the opportunity to attend the Saturday, October 23 performance of Gil Shaham as conductor/soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I first saw Shaham about 15 years ago, near the start of his career, on Ravinia’s Rising Star series. At the time, I was struck by the expression of pure joy on [...]

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Concert Review: Baroque Band’s “Hell’s Angels: Masters of the Violin”

October 13, 2010

The Baroque Band, founded in 2007 by British Baroque violinist Garry Clarke, is Chicago’s critically acclaimed period instrument orchestra. Contrapuntist and I attended one of their concerts for the first time this past Saturday, October 9. After hearing their performance, we now know what the buzz is about. The band’s 14 musicians breathe energy into [...]

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CSO MusicNOW #1 Concert Review: A 3-D Sound Experience

October 6, 2010

One thing I’ve discovered about new classical music is that the best way to experience it for the first time is in a live performance, rather than on a CD. Hearing the piece in person allows me to more easily grasp its meaning through the passion and interpretation of the performers. What’s more, many modern [...]

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Album Review: Silver Pony by Cassandra Wilson

October 3, 2010

Grammy Award-winning jazz/pop singer Cassandra Wilson will release her latest album, Silver Pony, through EMI’s Blue Note Records on November 9. The album features live recordings from a European tour and studio recordings laid down at New Orleans’ Piety Street Studios. Tracks include original tunes written by Cassandra and her band as well as jazz/pop [...]

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