Uri Caine's "Dark Flame" is a captivating exploration of Gustav Mahler's music, released in 2014 under the Winter & Winter label. This album is a unique blend of genres, seamlessly intertwining free jazz, jazz, and Philly soul, creating an atmosphere that is both innovative and deeply rooted in classical traditions.
Caine, known for his eclectic approach to music, reimagines Mahler's compositions with a contemporary twist. The album features a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Ralph Alessi, Don Byron, Mark Feldman, and Jim Black, among others. Their collective talent breathes new life into Mahler's works, offering a fresh perspective that is both respectful and adventurous.
"Dark Flame" spans a diverse range of Mahler's pieces, from "Kindertotenlieder" to "Das Lied von der Erde," each track meticulously arranged and performed with a keen sense of artistic vision. The album's duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes allows for a comprehensive journey through Caine's interpretations, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap between classical and jazz traditions.
This album is not just a collection of songs but a testament to Uri Caine's artistic versatility and his deep appreciation for Mahler's music. "Dark Flame" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of classical and jazz, offering a rich and rewarding experience for both Mahler enthusiasts and jazz aficionados alike.
2014 Winter and Winter2014 Winter and Winter
Tracks
Kindertotenlieder: No. 2, Nun seh' ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Uri Caine
Ruckert-Lieder: No. 5, Liebst du um Schonheit (Arr. for Voice & Vocal Ensemble)Kettwiger Bach Ensemble, Wolfgang Kläsener, Barbara Walker
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 10, Lob des hohen Verstandes (Arr. for Voice & Chamber Ensemble)Don Byron, Jim Black, Mark Feldman, DJ Olive, Michael Formanek, Sepp Bierbichler, Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: No. 4, Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz (Arr. U. Caine)Uri Caine
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 9, Wo Die Schonen Trompeten Blasen (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Mark Feldman, Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, DJ Olive, Don Byron, Michael Formanek, Jim Black
Das Lied von der Erde: No. 2, Der Einsame im Herbst (Arr. for Voice and Yangqin)Sisi Chen, Tong Qiang Chen
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 8, Lied des Verfolgten im Turm (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Don Byron, Jim Black, David Gilmore, Julie Patton, Mark Feldman, Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, DJ Olive, Sepp Bierbichler
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: No. 1, Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht (Arr. U. Caine)Don Byron, Michael Formanek, Aaron Bensoussan, Jim Black, Mark Feldman, Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, DJ Olive
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 2, Verlorne Muh (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Mark Feldman, Don Byron, Uri Caine, Sadiq Bey, Michael Formanek, Jim Black, Ralph Alessi
Das Lied von der Erde: No. 3, Von der Jugend (Arr. for Yangqin, Pipa & Erhu)Sisi Chen, Bao-Li Zhang, Yi Zhou
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 7, Rhinelegend (Arr. for Voice & Chamber Ensemble)Uri Caine
Kindertotenlieder: No. 3, Wenn dein Mutterlein, tritt zur Tur herein (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Uri Caine
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: No. 6, Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Mark Feldman, Don Byron, Jim Black, Michael Formanek, Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine
Ruckert-Lieder: No. 5, Liebst du um Schonheit (Arr. for Chamber Ensemble)Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, Don Byron, Michael Formanek, Mark Feldman
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