Strange Humors: Rutgers Wind Ensemble

JOHN MACKEY (b. 1973)
Strange Humors

MICHAEL DAUGHERTY (B. 1954)
Raise the Roof (version for timpani and wind band)
Brooklyn Bridge

JAMES SYLER (b. 1961)
The Hound of Heaven (1988)

Maureen Hurd (Clarinet)
Todd Quinlan (Timpani)
Rutgers Wind Ensemble / William Berz, conductor

Recorded at Nicholas Music Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
on 29th March, 2007, 27th March, 2008, 28th March, 2008, and on 20th October, 2007

The Rutgers Wind Ensemble here presents four engaging works rich with cross-cultural allusions by leading American composers. John Mackey’s aptly named Strange Humors merges African hand-drumming, an Orientalist musical style and the big band sound into a sultry brew. Michael Daugherty’s virtuosic Raise the Roof for timpani and wind ensemble pays homage to buildings such as the Empire State, while the clarinet concerto Brooklyn Bridge takes panoramic views across New York City. James Syler’s The Hound of Heaven charts the spiritual journey of a desperate soul who seeks and finds the balm of God’s grace. ( NAXOS )