The Glittering Plain: New Works and Arrangements for Saxophone Lara James

• Will Todd (b. 1970):
• 1 The Sparkling Heavens 09:04
• Graham Lynch (b. 1957):
• 2 Milonga Azure 05:55
• Tim Garland (b. 1966):
• 3 Winding Wind 05:34
• 4 The Moon for Her 05:29
• Ian Lawson (b. 1955):
• 5 The Glittering Plain: I. — 05:12
• 6 The Glittering Plain: II. — 06:16
• 7 The Glittering Plain: III. — 04:26
• Mike Hall (b. 1968):
• 8 Evensong 04:19
• Tim Barnes (b. 1990):
• 9 No More Sorrow 02:42
• Dave Stapleton (b. 1979):
• 10 A View Through an Open Door 07:43
• Huw Warren (b.1962):
• 11 Is It August Yet? 05:11
• Total Runtime 01:01:51

Info for The Glittering Plain: New Works and Arrangements for Saxophone

An exciting album from one of the UK’s leading exponents of contemporary saxophone. Welsh performer Lara James commissioned a group of well-known and emerging UK composers to build this programme of contemporary works for saxophone, string quartet and jazz trio, starting with the simple brief of combining jazz concepts, sounds and harmonies with classical forms and structures. The result is a beguiling disc of premiere performances that showcases the talents of the performers and composers alike.

Featured composers include: Will Todd, Graham Lynch, Tim Garland, Ian Lawson, Mike Hall, Tim Barnes, Dave Stapleton & Huw Warren.

This is Signum’s second disc with Lara James, following 2009’s ‘Façades’ (SIGCD158) – a disc of contemporary saxophone works for classical trio and orchestra: “The saxophone is in, and there's no better performer than Lara James. From shades of jazz to thrilling expressionism, this recital earns your attention.” (Classic FM Magazine)

I recommend this heartily to anyone but especially to jazz sax players – or classical folks interested in something a bit different and very attention getting! (Audiophile Audition)

The most interesting works are those towards the end: Tim Barnes' 'No More Sorrow' shimmers darkly. (Muso Magazine)

Lara James, saxophone
Pavão String Quartet
Will Todd Trio

Lara James
is a saxophonist known for her work as a collaborative musician and soloist. She has established herself as a musician with a busy and varied portfolio career ranging from recital, chamber, orchestral and band performances to lecturing, and performs across a variety of musical genres from contemporary classical to alternative. She has performed as a concerto soloist and recitalist throughout the UK, while freelance recording work includes sessions for radio, BBC TV and CD recordings and appearances with numerous major orchestras in the UK. As a soloist Lara has been broadcast around the world including the UK (BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, Ireland’s RTE Lyric FM) in the USA (NPR) and on ABC Classic FM Australia.

Lara’s debut CD ‘Facades’ on the Signum Classics label was chosen as 'Presenter’s Choice’ for Instrumental and Chamber Music in Classic FM Magazine, May 2009. She is grateful for the support of the Arts Council of Wales towards recording a second CD in 2011, which promises to be a stylistically diverse project featuring some exciting new artist collaborations and commissions by British composers. This recording will also be released on the Signum Classics label.

A keen interest in the saxophone in chamber music contexts prompted Lara to found 'Triquetra', a saxophone, cello and piano trio with Kathryn Price and Rachel Ramos; and in summer 2010, she co-founded the saxophone ensemble 'Resonance' with Dr. Angela Space.

Lara teaches saxophone at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where she also coaches chamber music and directs the saxophone choir. She teaches saxophone at the RWCMD Department of Junior Music and Access Studies and is in demand as an adjudicator for national youth music competitions and college auditions and as a coach for national youth music organisations.

Having studied at the Royal Northern College of Music gaining her degree and professional performance diploma, Lara won a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music where she became graduate assistant to the esteemed performer, musicologist and saxophone historian Dr. Paul Cohen. Following a period of study in the USA Lara went on to complete her Masters degree in musicology at the University of Manchester, where her specialist research area was ‘The Saxophone in Britain, c. 1860 - 1960’ and hopes to further pursue various research interests in years to come.

Booklet for The Glittering Plain: New Works and Arrangements for Saxophone