February 20, 2000 – For Immediate Release :
NEXUS
Performs with Clarinetist Richard Stoltzman
on a New BIS CD
‘GARDEN OF SOUNDS’ – BIS CD # 1108
Entirely Original Music is Dedicated to Toru Takemitsu
A new CD was released by BIS Records in February 2000 featuring NEXUS with the acclaimed clarinetist, Richard Stoltzman. The CD is titled, ‘Garden of Sounds’ and it contains 13 music tracks created by the artists especially for this recording. The CD title was selected out of a mutual respect for the distinguished composer, Toru Takemitsu, who was a friend and mentor to the artists and who referred to himself on occasion as a ˜gardener of sounds’. The music is entirely improvisatory, exploring the sounds of the clarinet and the vast collection of NEXUS percussion instruments, gathered from all over the world. When combined with the extraordinary musicianship of these artists, each of whom embodies a diversity of musical styles, incomparable technique, and an impassioned search for beauty in sound, the result is a highly original and revealingly personal form of music-making.
NEXUS & Richard Stoltzman
The friendship and artistic association between Richard Stoltzman and members of NEXUS can be traced back to the late 1960s at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. But it wasn’t until May 1995 that the formal process of making music together began in Toronto with a two-hour session of improvised music. Since then they have collaborated in concerts throughout the United States and in Japan.
in January 1997 the music reviewer of the Ann Arbor News said:
‘ Playing with the energy of teen-agers and the insight of seasoned masters, NEXUS percussion ensemble and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman put on a fascinating display of virtuosity and cooperation.’
CDs by NEXUS
The new BIS CD is the 20th recording by NEXUS (including 11 titles on the ‘NEXUS’ label) now available from NEXUS and at record stores.
