Release Date: 13 May 2022
Format: LP Double Vinyl
Label: Nonesuch
£25.99
Mary Halvorson Amaryllis & Belladonna Limited Vinyl 2LP Set
Overview:
Nonesuch Records releases twin label debut albums, Amaryllis and Belladonna, from Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and MacArthur fellow Mary Halvorson. The two suites, which Halvorson describes as “modular and interlocking,” were performed at Brooklyn’s Roulette last fall. The records, produced and mixed by John Dieterich (Deerhoof), will be available as a two-LP vinyl set or as two separate CDs, and also will be available digitally. Halvorson and the ensembles celebrate the albums’ release with a special performance of the two suites at National Sawdust in Brooklyn on May 18.
Amaryllis is a six-song suite performed by a newly formed sextet of master improvisers, including Halvorson, Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), Nick Dunston (bass), Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Jacob Garchik (trombone), and Adam O’Farrill (trumpet). The Mivos string quartet joins for three of the songs, making this the largest ensemble for which Halvorson has written to date. The suite showcases Halvorson’s many musical influences from jazz, experimental, new music, and beyond.
Belladonna is a set of five compositions written for Halvorson on guitar plus The Mivos Quartet: Olivia De Prato (violin), Maya Bennardo (violin), Victor Lowrie Tafoya (viola), and Tyler J. Borden (cello). It is Halvorson’s first time writing for a string quartet. Mivos’ parts are through-composed and augmented by Halvorson’s guitar improvisations.
One of New York City’s most in-demand guitarists, over the past decade Halvorson has worked with such diverse musicians as Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Taylor Ho Bynum, John Dieterich, Trevor Dunn, Bill Frisell, Ingrid Laubrock, Jason Moran, Joe Morris, Tom Rainey, Jessica Pavone, Tomeka Reid, Marc Ribot, and John Zorn. She is also part of several collaborative projects, most notably the longstanding trio Thumbscrew with Michael Formanek on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums.
Featured Tracks:
Side 1
1 Night Shift
2 Anesthesia
3 Amaryllis
Side 2
1 Side Effect
2 Hoodwink
3 892 Teeth
Side 3
1 Nodding Yellow
2 Moonburn
3 Flying Song
Side 4
1 Haunted Head
2 Belladonna
Release Date: 19 January 2024
Format: LP Vinyl
Label: Nonesuch
£27.99
