HOMAGE Liner Notes

1.

Alvin Batiste (1932-2007) From Tune Suite no. 1 (2000) 1. Blues in a Cabaret from Tune Suite no. 1 2. Dancing in Cyberspace 3. After Episode One Members of the Music Alive Ensemble: Rachel Jordan and Amy Thiaville, violins Sixto Franco, viola; Rachel Hsieh, cello; Yuiko Asano, piano Assisting musicians: Steve Hass, drums2&3 Karl Vincent Wickliff3, bass violin Trevor Weston (b. 1967) From Griot Legacies (2014) 4. There is a Balm in Gilead Members of the Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park, violin; Luke Maurer, viola; Timothy Loo, cello Earl Louis Stewart (b. 1950) Rhythm Sonata (2018) 5. Majestic 6. Larghetto 7. Moderato e animato Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park and Shalini Vijayan, violins Luke Maurer, viola; Timothy Loo, cello John Duncan (1913-1975) Clarinet Quintet (1967) 8. Allegro con brio 9. Adagio Cantabile 10. Allegro 11. Allegretto Lyris Quartet Trevor Weston (b. 1967) From Griot Legacies (2014) 12. Lord, How Come Me Here Members of the Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park, violin; Luke Maurer, viola; Timothy Loo, cello Herbert Franklin Mells (1909-1953) Quintet in A minor (1944) 13. Slow 14. Very Slow 15. Slow: Moderately Fast Lyris Quartet

8:12 3:37 3:35

3:26

4:09 3:14 3:00

3:20 3:30 2:13 2:52

HOMAGE Music by African American Composers for Clarinet and Strings

Marcus Eley, clarinet 3:34

with the Music Alive Ensemble Lyris Quartet 4:02 5:43 5:37

2.

HOMAGE is a tribute to the music of Herbert Franklin Mells, John Duncan, Alvin Batiste, Earl Louis Stewart, and Trevor Weston. Each composer has crafted music that celebrates their African American heritage and personal style.

We pay homage to their contribution and humanity.

3. from Tune Suite no. 1 (2000) – Alvin Batiste – Jazzstronauts Publishing 1. Blues in a Cabaret 2. Dancing in Cyberspace 3. After Episode One members of The Music Alive Ensemble: Rachel Jordan and Amy Thiaville, violins Franco Sixto, viola; Rachel Hsieh, cello; Yuiko Asano, piano Assisting musicians: Steve Hass, drums2&3 Karl Vincent Wickliff, bass violin3 Tune Suite no. 1 is a journey of New Orleans and blues traditions in a “classical” chamber music setting. One can hear in all movements the playfulness and feel the subtle back beat or “groove”. The inventive writing for the clarinet is prominent – antiphonal, solo, and collaborative. Each tune or movement paints a picture, sets the stage, and engages the listener. - Marcus Eley

Alvin Batiste (1932-2007) was a music master, composer, arranger, and educator. He received a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance and composition from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southern University. He was one of the most distinctive and virtuosic of modern jazz clarinetists.

Although sometimes called a “New Orleans clarinetist”, Alvin Batiste was an avant-garde player who did not fit easily into any classification. His work won him fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the National Association of Jazz Educators’ National Humanitarian Award, the International Association of Jazz Educator’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Offbeat Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Arts Education.

from Griot Legacies (2014) - Trevor Weston 4. There is a Balm in Gilead members of the Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park, violin, Luke Maurer, viola, Timothy Loo, cello Griots are West African performer who preserve and communicate the history of their community through songs. Africans brought to America during the Atlantic Slave trade continued to communicate and share their experiences through song. “There is a Balm” imagines a better existence where the problems … are healed. – Trevor Weston

Trevor Weston (b. 1967) received his BA from Tufts University and continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley where he earned his MA and PhD in music composition. His primary composition teachers were T.J. Anderson, Olly Wilson, Andrew Imbrie, and Richard Feliciano. Dr. Weston is currently a Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at Drew University in Madison, NJ and an instructor for the Music Advancement Program and Pre-College at The Juilliard School, NYC. His honors include the George Ladd Prix de Paris from the University of California, Berkeley, a Goddard Lieberson Fellowship and the Arts and Letters Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

4.

Rhythm Sonata (2018) – Earl Louis Sewart - America Composers Alliance 5. Majestic 6. Larghetto 7. Moderato e animato members of the Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park and Shalini Vijayan, violins Luke Maurer, viola, Timothy Loo, cello The three movements of Rhythm Sonata are standalone fugues. Each movement has a unique eight measure theme but with an unusual twist – they are jazz inspired. The infectious rhythmic syncopation of each fugue and its implied back beat is a pleasant surprise for the listener. – Marcus Eley

Earl Louis Stewart (b. 1950) is a Professor Emeritus of the Department of Black Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. He received his BS in Secondary Education from Southern University, Baton Rouge, studying under Walter Craig and Alvin Batiste. He then received his MM and DMA in Composition from The University of Texas at Austin, studying with Karl Korte, Joseph Schwantner, and Kent Kennan, author of Counterpoint. Ensembles who have performed his music include the Austin Symphony Orchestra (Texas); the Boston Orchestra and Choral (Massachusetts); the National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana (Accra, Ghana, West Africa); the Scott Joplin Orchestra of Houston (Texas); the University of California Jazz Orchestra; and the Mobile Symphony Orchestra (Alabama); and members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Clarinet Quintet (1967) – John Duncan – courtesy William and Gail Cook Music Library at Indiana University 8. Allegro con brio 9. Adagio Cantabile 10. Allegro 11. Allegretto Lyris Quartet The first movement opens with a fast-paced tempo in a march-like style. The clarinet is at the fore - the string quartet punctuates with riveting accompaniment. The second movement is very lyrical and expressive. As the clarinet is prominent, the string quartet also shares this lovely theme. A pulsating syncopated rhythm forms the basis of the third movement. The music is playful and endearing. The short fourth movement has the same fast-paced tempo as movement one. The clarinet states the principal theme which is passed to the cello then other strings. As the music approaches the finale, the clarinet and string quartet sprint to its spirited climatic end. – Marcus Eley

John Duncan (1913-1975) received the B.M. and M.M. degrees from Temple University and studied further at New York University. He was an arranger for jazz groups in Philadelphia. Duncan was on the faculty at Samuel Huston College and Alabama State University, 1939-1975. He wrote many compositions, although few were published, but many were performed on university campuses throughout the South. Among his compositions were: “Three Proclamations for Trombone and String Quartet”, Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra”, “Atavistic for String Quartet”, “Gideon and Eliza, an Easter Canticle” and others.

5. from Griot Legacies (2014) - Trevor Weston 12. Lord, How Come Me Here members of the Lyris Quartet: Alyssa Park, violin, Luke Maurer, viola, Timothy Loo, cello “Lord, How Come Me Here,” is an example of a spiritual that explores the existential questions sometimes found in spirituals. The piece fundamentally asks the question, “Why?” Many spirituals were created to console and support individuals. – Trevor Weston

Quintet in A minor (1944) – Herbert Franklin Mells – courtesy University of Iowa – Rita Benton Music Library 13. Slow 14. Very slow 15. Slow: Moderately fast Lyris Quartet The first movement (Slow) is harmony rich and extremely rhapsodic. The clarinet and string quartet are equal partners. The second movement (Very Slow) is like the first movement. However, there is more introspection. The beautiful melodic lines of this movement are featured by the clarinet. The third movement (Slow: Moderately Fast) opens with a brief introduction which segues to a waltz-like dance in triplets. This dance theme is equally shared by all instruments. Mells’ Quintet is engaging music from a different time. – Marcus Eley Herbert Franklin Mells (1909-1953) was born in Darien, Georgia. He attended Morehouse College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree, later a Master of Arts degree from Indiana University and was one of the first African Americans to earn a PhD at the University of Iowa. He taught at Langston University, Hampton Institute and was chairman of the music department at Tennessee State University. He was a well-respected pianist, composer, and music educator.

Marcus Eley is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music in clarinet and studied at the Hochschule fuer Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, Austria. Eley has performed as a soloist with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Germany), the Louisville Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonton (Canada) Wind Sinfonia and the National Army Military Band of the People’s Republic of China (Beijing). He has also given numerous recitals in major cities of the United States. He has participated as guest artist at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. Of his performance, Jeff Brukman of Cue Magazine said, “… consummate artistry. The festival is indeed fortunate to host such a master of the clarinet.” Eley was a guest performer at the 2016 Beethovenfest Bonn. Claudia Wallendorf, music critic of the Bonn General Anzeiger said, “(Eley’s) colorful and nuanced clarinet playing . . . was very pleasantly displayed”. In 2012, record company Sono Luminus released Mr. Eley’s Compact Disc, titled “But Not Forgotten: Music by African American Composers for Clarinet and Piano.” Steve Arloff, MusicWeb International cites, “… a disc of pure unalloyed joy.” The Listener (Germany), Rainer Aschemeier exclaims, “Wow!’ What a beautiful, varied CD! This CD has succeeded in its well-chosen repertoire, as well as interpretation and sound.” “Marcus Eley knows when and how to make the clarinet charm, dance, sing and cry. – Jean Yves Dupperon, Classical Music Sentinel. In 2023, Imaginary Animals, the digital label of Bright Shiny Things, released Eley’s recording, PERSEVERANCE. Through their efforts, the label submitted this recording for consideration for a GRAMMY Award. Patrick Rucker, recording reviewer for Gramophone Magazine (February 2024) stated, “Two things are likely to strike you listening to PERSEVERANCE. First is the extraordinary beauty of the sound of Eley’s clarinet, velvety throughout all of its registers, not to mention its immense expressivity. The second is the sheer variety of musical expression.” Eley has served as Dean of Students at the New England Conservatory, Assistant (Adjunct) Professor of Music (Clarinet) at California State University Los Angeles and Marketing Projects Specialist/Artist Relations for Rico International.

The LYRIS QUARTET, described as "radiant... exquisite... and powerfully engaged" by Mark Swed of the LA Times, is one of the most sought-after ensembles on the west coast. Equally at home with standard quartet repertoire and the music of today, Lyris has premiered countless works and has been involved in numerous commissions by some of the most exciting composers of our time. Members of the quartet have won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky International Competition and Aspen Music Festival and have collaborated with renowned artists Natalia Gutman, David Geringas, Martha Argerich, Alban Gerhardt, Boris Pergamenschikov, Midori, Guillame Sutre, MyungWhun Chung, Glenn Dicterow and Richard Stoltzman.

The quartet has appeared throughout North America, Europe, and Asia in a diverse range of ensembles including Grammy nominated groups Absolute Ensemble, Southwest Chamber Music, and Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa as well as solo and chamber appearances in various festivals such as Bravo! Vail, Ravinia, Brahms Festival in Madrid, Music Academy of the West, Banff Centre for the Arts, Czech SommerFest, and Oregon Festival of American Music, among others. Lyris has been featured several times on the LA Philharmonic’s Green Umbrella series, including a commission of a new work by Michelle Lou premiered at Noon to Midnight. Lyris gave the west coast premiere of David Lang's "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field” with Long Beach Opera to critical acclaim. Notable projects include innovative multimedia concerts with artists Andrew Burke and Ana Prvacki as well as opening for Kraftwerk at the Hollywood Bowl and for Ben Harper at the Folies Bergere in Paris.

The Lyris Quartet is the founding resident ensemble of the Hear Now Music Festival, which focuses on the music of living Los Angeles composers. As part of this series, they have collaborated with and premiered works by Stephen Hartke, Don Davis, Arturo Cardelus, Nina Shekhar and Veronika Krausas, among others. The Lyris Quartet has recorded for Toccata Classics, ARS, and Naxos.

Blues in a Cabaret, Dancing in Cyberspace, and After Episode One from Tune Suite no. 1 were recorded by members of the Music Alive Ensemble at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans, LA on March 15 and 16, 2024.

Photo Alisa Banks

Marcus Eley with (L to R) Yuiko Asano, piano Rachel Jordan, violin Amy Thiaville, violin Rachel Hsieh, viola Franco Sixto, cello

New Orleans based, Music Alive Ensemble is a blend of outstanding musicians, composers, arrangers and educators who believe that music as art conveys the breadth, passion and intellect of society. Music Alive Ensemble provides concerts, artist demonstrations and teaching workshops featuring classical and jazz collaborations. The organization also provides work for New Orleans musicians as well as visiting artists.

“There is a Balm in Gilead”, “Rhythm Sonata”, “Clarinet Quintet”, “Lord, How Come Me Here”, and “Quintet in A minor” were recorded with Lyris Quartet at Allegro Recordings in Burbank, CA on April 13, 2024.

Credits In New Orleans, LA: Stage and Equipment Set Up Daryl Dickerson, The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music – New Orleans, LA Recording Editing and Engineering Justin Armstrong, Justin Armstrong Productions – Slidell, LA Music Consultants Rachel Jordan – New Orleans, LA Amy Thiaville – River Ridge, LA In Burbank and Studio City, CA: Editing and Mixing Tom Weir, Studio City Sound - Studio City, CA Kellie McGrew, Studio City Sound – Studio City, CA Matthew Snyder, Allegro Recordings, LLC – Burbank, CA Immersive Audio Mastering Engineers Tom Weir, Studio City Sound - Studio City, CA Kellie McGrew, Studio City Sound – Studio City, CA Photography: Alisa Banks Photography – Burbank, CA Cover Art: Imaginary Animals Producers Marcus Eley and Susan Frederick Thanks to: Edith Chatters Batiste – Baton Rouge, LA Maynard Batiste - Baton Rouge, LA The Jazz Foundation – New York, NY The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music – New Orleans, LA Sabron: Entertainment Payroll Services – Toluca Lake, CA Rita Benton Music Library -The University of Iowa – Iowa City, IA William and Gayle Music Library at Indiana University – Bloomington, IN

HOMAGE

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