US pianist Lara Downes begins Rising Sun Music—her EP series exploring Black music from the past 200 years—in Harlem, the birthplace of jazz in New York and a hub of Black creativity. Remember Me to Harlem puts four composers in the spotlight, starting with the premiere recording of the beautiful “Classical Dreams,” a jazz-inspired piece written for Downes by saxophonist Benny Golson, the last of the living Harlem jazz legends. At the heart of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s stood William Grant Still, often described as the “Dean of African American composers.” This collection’s beautiful arrangement of his “Song for the Lonely” deserves instant-classic status. As does “When the Dove Enters In,” Margaret Bonds’ musical setting of lyrics by poet Langston Hughes, another Harlem Renaissance figure. Concluding this EP, it’s a gorgeous gospel ballad that lingers long in the mind.
- 2023
- Conor Hanick & Richie Hawley
- Vetle Nærø
- Chouchane Siranossian & Capriccio Barockorchester
- Matthias Kirschnereit, Michael Sanderling & Frankfurt Radio Symphony
- Steven Isserlis & Connie Shih
- Adam Walker, Timothy Ridout & James Baillieu
- Jordane Tumarinson & Hoshiko Yamane