‘Memories & The Gray’ is aptly named – its varying moods convey a rich insight into the creative mind behind the work; sometimes joyous of temperament, elsewise wistful, but always inventive.
Sometimes the idea behind the music is just as interesting as the music itself…the music on this album “…explores the relationships between mechanical structures, organic beauty, and identity.” …Wallin Huff presents three unusual compositions that tackle some intriguing ideas and topics… Her music is quite complex and unusual and yet…very easy to absorb and appreciate. There’s a lot to take in here… Our favorite is the wonderfully moody and subtle “Gypsy Wanderer”…nothing short of breathtaking.
…the [Book of I] soundtrack composed by Sarah Wallin Huff stands out as both a powerful album, taking its listener on an emotional journey of beauty, despair, and hope, as well as a fascinating study of the composer’s visceral and intellectual connection to the source material. Featuring the stellar work of musicians Darrell Peries, Caleb Barnes, Cathy Alonzo, Jenna Ford, Lainey Elizabeth White, Brett Bird, Jonatas Mostacato, Ayla Draper, and [Wallin] Huff herself, the album is a stunning collection of gorgeous, orchestral selections comprised mostly of string instruments that are, at times, vividly haunting but always entirely engrossing. [Wallin] Huff, who previously released her own album, Soul of the Machine, earlier this year, clearly has a passion and a gift for sharing every ounce of her mind, body, and soul with the listener, as if providing a warm invitation for the listener to share the same in response.
It is the third piece “The Oracle” that is the crème de la for me with its incredible depth and creative complexity. Dynamics take deep hold here with sudden bursts and calming moments. I really hear the room when flute and clarinet parts elevate along with the brilliant staccato keyboard hits. There are moments when time seems to fall apart and then strings back together in a wonderful interplay among the musicians.
Sarah Wallin Huff works with a palette of sounds in a way that mere humans can only distantly discern – this single is an ambient instrumental masterpiece of classical and modern moods.
Sarah’s music has a classy, understated sound, yet it is baroque and ornate, tipping the hat off to genius composers like Debussy, but also tipping the hat off experimental ideas and cinematic scores. Opening number “Intrepid” is a very dynamic composition with a unique color, almost echoing the work of modern composers like Yann Tiersen.
Weeping Willow, featuring “Michael Jung,” is one of our favorite tracks on this release. I love the romantic, dramatic high notes of the string section, as well as the timeless sound of the sparse piano melodies, almost flirting with shades of Tango, in the vein of Astor Piazzolla. A true masterpiece, with so many nuances. The album is also home to a suite extending over 3 tracks, “Leviathan of the Ancient Deep.” These songs also features ambient samples, as well as electronic elements and ornate percussions, making for a really diverse set of colors.
Based on an unaccompanied violin partita variation from the eighteenth century by Bach, layers of electronic elements breathe new life into this classic. Also appearing on this release is “Sonata Moderna (Remastered)” from 2010. “Sonata Moderna” is based on a piece from the seventeenth century (“Sonata sopra la Monica” by Biagio Marini). It was the May 2016 Akademia Winner for Best Ambient/Instrumental Song. Featuring two violins and cello with rock rhythm and chords, the past is united with the present in this driving work.
Enjoy this little amuse-bouche of mashed-up music! 🙂
I know it’s last minute, but if you’re free tomorrow night – Thursday, Feb.11 @ 7:30pm – I hope you’ll come to see my students, as well as myself and colleague Dr. Ruta Bloomfield, perform for The Master’s College first ever Instrumental Chamber Groups concert!
On three upcoming Mondays – October 19, 26, and November 2 – at 2pm to 3pm, I’ll be speaking at Hillcrest on the topic of music from the Medieval and Renaissance periods!
Join me for this fun, informative, and free 3-week series! Find more info at this Event’s Page.
It’s officially available now! Go check out my new EP, “SONATA MODERNA“!
Album Notes
This EP features all new Classical music, as well as the return of a recent favorite, composed and performed by Sarah Wallin Huff. SONATA MODERNA is a sonic journey of movement — of nostalgia and anticipation.
The title track, “Sonata Moderna,” is based on an ancient piece from the 17th century (“Sonata sopra la Monica” by Biagio Marini). Featuring two violins and cello with rock rhythm and chords, the past is united with the present in this driving work. Featuring: Sarah Wallin Huff (violins), Anne Sherrill (cello), Paul Hoover (electric guitar), Emily Gibb (electric bass), and Dave Gruchacz (drum set).
“Sweet Camila” returns (re-recorded) from its debut in the soundtrack album, “Music for The Book of I.” Based on Camila, a feature character in Jorge Armenteros’ novel, “The Book of I,” this work for string quartet looks back at good times with nostalgia while encouraging our main character to move forward with hope. Featuring: Brett Bird and Lainey White (violins), Sarah Wallin Huff (viola), and Anne Sherrill (cello).
“Organic Circuitry” is a unique string quartet, pitting the acoustic violin and cello against electric 5- and 6- string violins with effects. It evokes a futuristic state of being, merging ancient instruments with new technology. Featuring: Sarah Wallin Huff (acoustic and electric violins) and Anne Sherrill (cello).
As a bonus, the newest composition from Wallin Huff, “Intrepid: A Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble,” has been included in this release. “Intrepid” is a dramatic expression of Life’s Journey, of migration and personal metamorphosis. Featuring: Allison McKay (solo Oboe/English Horn), Asuncion Ojeda and Tiffany Gibb (flutes/piccolo), Russell Vittrup (clarinet), Clayton Slusser (bassoon), Jeff Boultinghouse (horns), Daniel Chandler and Phil Alimoren (trombones), Lyle Michaud (piano), Sarah Wallin Huff (percussion), and the strings — Violins: Mel Bolosan, Josh LeMaster, Corinne Olsen, Abby Olson, Lainey White (concertmaster), Tim Yao; Viola: Sean Lyons; Cello: Emily Rader; Bass: John Hester. Conducted by Sarah Wallin Huff.
All tracks recorded, produced, and mastered by Tyler Bailey at The Master’s College, Santa Clarita (CA), except for “Sweet Camila,” which was recorded, produced, and mastered by Mauricio Gasca at Scott Frankfurt Studio, Los Angeles (CA).
And many thanks to those who graciously gave their amazing talents to make this happen: Tyler J Bailey, Mauricio Gasca Music, Scott Frankfurt Studio, TMC Music, Anne Tribble Sherrill, Brett Bird, Lainey Elizabeth White, Emily Gibb, Paul Hoover, Dave Gruchacz, Allison McKay, Asuncion Ojeda, Tiffany Gibb, Russell Vittrup, Clayton Slusser, Jeff Boultinghouse, Daniel Chandler, Philip Alimoren, Lyle Michaud, Mel Bolosan, Joshua LeMaster, Corinne Olsen, Abby Olson, Tim Yao, Sean Lyons, Emily Rader, John Hester.
Oh! And THANK YOU to José Marques for the way-excellent album artwork!
It’ll show up on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc.. in just a few more days…
Enjoy! ^_^
This program is utterly BEAUTIFUL!!! I’m so enjoying playing full-on Baroque style violin with these fabulous musicians and choir! Mark your calendars!
FYI, we are also having a FREE showing of this program tomorrow (Friday) night, at 7:30, at Glendale City Church. But if you can’t make it, plan on coming to a show next weekend!
And don’t forget to save the date of October 20th! Pianist Michael Jung and I will be playing an awesome concert of works by Brahms, Suk, and yours-truly!
We’ll be debuting my recent original work, “Gypsy Wanderer” LIVE for the first time!
Come hear the Rosé Trio perform works by Vitali, Danielle Cummins 😉 , Emanuel Moór, and Moszkowski! THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, 8pm, University of La Verne, Morgan Auditorium in Founders Hall – on 3rd Street near B Street, La Verne.
