James Baker

Maria Schneider: Classical, Jazz, Or Does It Matter?

James Baker — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:59:14 +0000

A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the remarkable composer and band leader Maria Schneider.

Her latest work as a composer is still the buzz around both classical and jazz crowds. The disc, consisting of two song cycles written for Dawn Upshaw, is called "Winter Morning Walks."

Adolph Herseth, Master Trumpeter, Dead at 91

James Baker — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:16:03 +0000

The hearts of all who love and care for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are weeping today with the announcement of the passing of trumpeter Adolph Herseth. For over a half century (1948-2004), he was the principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Along with tubist Arnold Jacobs, Herseth and his brass playing colleagues evolved into the most powerful and accomplished orchestral brass section in the world. This is no exaggeration!

RIP Sir Colin Davis

James Baker — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:58:42 +0000

I remember as yesterday my first substantial introduction to the art of Colin Davis. The cycle of Sibelius Symphonies he recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra was outstanding, enhanced further by the art work, drawn from the paintings of Edvard Munch. The music world reacted much as I had, declaring Sir Colin an authoritative interpreter of Sibelius. He came back to the cycle at least twice afterwards, making studio recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra and then a cycle of concert recordings with the LSO.

Maria Schneider: Bridging the Jazz-Classical Divide

James Baker — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:41:27 +0000

Ana Cervantes: Musical Midwife

James Baker — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:11:14 +0000

Critics consider Ana Cervantes –daughter of a Nebraska (USA) mother and a Mexican father– “a physical, emotional performer, with extraordinary touch and mastery of tone and colour”; an artist of “commanding intensity,” “great interpretive qualities and enormous passion”.

Her special ability to function as interlocutor between cultures, her charismatic stage presence and imaginative programming which embraces both contemporary and traditional repertoires, have earned her the accolade “ambassadress for the music of Mexico”.

Irving Berlin's Holiday Big Three

James Baker — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 21:18:03 +0000

Irving Berlin is one of those who could easily have written a couple of songs, then retired to fame and great wealth. But like most highly creative people, his life was one of ceaseless creation, to the very end. Among his more than 900 songs are three which might be described as his Holiday Big Three: “God Bless America,” “White Christmas,” and “Easter Parade."

SXSW 2013 Review: "The Other Shore"

James Baker — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:02:57 +0000

Diana Nyad is an athlete obsessed, but what's so unusual about that? Athletes are supposed to be obsessed. But to say Diana Nyad is a woman obsessed, now that's what makes her story so compelling, even worthy of a movie. And that movie was recently given several special screenings at SXSW.

Is Gabriela Ortiz's "Camelia La Tejana" An Opera Or Documentary?

James Baker — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:39:59 +0000

The Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz has found a great deal of success with her varied catalog of work. To try to define it in only a paragraph, or two, would be unfair and probably impossible. Likewise, her work defies any attempt to be pigeon-holed into a nationalistic or ethnic box. Yes, some of the catalog reflects her Mexican roots. But other titles speak in a musical language which should only be described as contemporary.

Oboist Ray Still: Still Keen on Music at 93

James Baker — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:40:54 +0000

Crossing America with Miguel del Aguila

James Baker — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:06:37 +0000

Miguel del Aguila's website describes him as "An internationally recognized compositional voice and talent, Miguel del Aguila creates fresh, spontaneous music often colored by Latin and World Music idioms, and with a healthy respect for the classical tradition and form. What results is a captivating interplay of classical balance and romantic excess.