Imani Winds by Matthew Murphy: (l-r: Monica Ellis (bassoon), Jeff Scott (french horn), Toyin Spellman-Diaz (oboe), Mark Dover (clarinet), Valerie Coleman (flute) Photo: supplied
As well as being the founder of Imani Winds, Valerie Coleman is also an established composer, and has made many contributions to the repertoire for wind quintet.
About this piece she says: Red Clay and Mississippi Delta is a light scherzo work that references my family's experience of living in Mississippi. From the juke joints and casino boats that line the Mississippi river, to the skin tone of my relatives from the area: a dark skin that looks like it came directly from the red clay. The solo lines are instilled with personality, meant to capture the listener's attention as they wail with 'bluesy' riffs that are accompanied by the rest of the ensemble. The result is a virtuosic chamber work that merges classical technique and orchestration with the blues dialect and charm of the south.
Recorded 26 September 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert.
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Graham Kennedy
