Released by Avie Records, Crossing the Bar explores the wide expressive possibilities of the contemporary marimba. Percussionist Mika Stoltzman assembles a rich and varied program that moves fluidly across styles and eras, ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach to John Zorn, with Claude Debussy and 21st century composer Miho Hazama in between. Built around close collaborations with several musicians, most notably clarinetist Richard Stoltzman (Mika’s husband and regular collaborator), the program brings together arrangements and contemporary works, including several world premieres. The album opens with the monumental Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in an arrangement for marimba and strings. From the outset, the approach highlights…
Tag Archive: Mika Stoltzman
Tellingly, the treatment Eric Clapton’s “Layla” receives from marimbist Mika Stoltzman on her latest release is less in the spirit of Cream’s blistering rock anthem and more the laid-back acoustic overhaul the guitarist gave the song on 1992’s Unplugged. In place of the desperate howl of the original, the words “Layla, you got me on my knees” are delivered against a soulful folk-shuffle on the live set. In like manner, Stoltzman’s sultry take on the song is mellow, and a similar vibe permeates other pieces. Her bandmates, marquee players such as pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, are certainly capable of playing with fire and fury; in this context, however, her partners tailor their playing to the restrained mood…