Oct 7: Clarinetist Kristen Mather de Andrade releases new album

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“With her new album, clarinetist Kristen Mather de Andrade makes a case for the
depth and complexity that can exist in the most personal of musical relationships: the duo.”
—Jarrett Hoffman, clarinetist 

Friday, October 7th, 2022: American clarinetist Kristen Mather de Andrade (kristenmather.com) is set to release her newest album As Bright As The Skies Are Blue on her own kmdamusic label. The album will be available both digitally and on physical CD via Kristen’s website.

Following in the footsteps of her debut album Clarão and recent holiday EP Evergreen, Kristen Mather de Andrade continues to demonstrate genuine love, appreciation, and passion for platforming and celebrating music from around the world, married with the rich tones of the clarinet. Equal parts classical, jazz, and world, As Bright As The Skies Are Blue is a beautiful body of work that honors both the featured composers and the instrument itself. 

As Bright As The Skies Are Blue’s title work, written by celebrated composer David Reeves, is divided into four movements based on cardinal directions: North, East, South, and West. Alongside percussionist David Bergman, the composition finds both clarinet and percussion on a rhythmic, through-composed journey, exploring musical themes inspired by various cultures and corners of Africa. The composition makes its debut here, and was commissioned by Mather de Andrade. 

The playful Game 1 for Lîla follows, written by the late South African composer Surendran Reddy. A piece for solo clarinet, the melody arpeggiates, flutters, and dances in an animated and elegant fashion that, at times, gives the impression that two clarinetists are playing. One of the earliest pieces in Mather de Andrade’s repertoire, she revived the piece for this album. Of the piece, she says, “it has always been a favorite, and a true challenge to perform!“

The album closes with Brazilian composer Jacob do Bandolim‘s Santa Morena, featuring César Garabini on 7-string guitar in a performance arranged by the duo. Garabini is a perfect partner for Mather de Andrade’s masterful and gripping take on this classic work. 

In support of this release, Mather de Andrade has several events lined up, starting with a livestream on October 2nd,  joined by David Reeves and David Bergman. Then on October 18th, a Q&A session and solo performance is planned at Croton River Artisans Gallery in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, a performance at Chelsea Table and Stage in Manhattan on November 16th, and a formal release concert to be held at the Silk Factory in Newburgh, NY on November 18th. Videos for the tracks Santa Morena and Game 1 for Lîla have been released on her YouTube page, and video for As Bright As The Skies Are Blue will be released along with the album in October.

WORKS INCLUDE: 

  1. AS BRIGHT AS THE SKIES ARE BLUE(David Reeves)
    I. North
    II. East
    III. South
    IV. West
  2. GAME 1 FOR LÎLA (Surendran Reddy) 
  3. SANTA MORENA (Jacob do Bandolim)

For more information, please visit kristenmather.com