Customer Reviews

Imani Winds (wind quintet)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Imani Winds have done it again with their new 2006 album. On this CD, they continue their exploration of bringing new pieces and styles into the classical wind quintet repertoire.

I listened to this CD and liked it very much. I found the sound and style of the music to be very much like that in their previous album, The Classical Underground. Initially, I was somewhat disappointed by this (despite the fact that I really enjoyed The Classical Underground), but I've since decided that there is much musical territory for them to explore in the current genres that they are working in.

After listening to this CD, I have become impressed with the arrangers' ability to take a piece (such as the Ravel and Piazzolla pieces) and make it sound complete on wind quintet (i.e. you don't get the feeling that some part of the music is "missing"). The techniques employed by the group are also utilized wonderfully, such as the staccato flute notes underlying the clarinet early on in Jeff Scott's Titilayo piece. I also like how the group creates a few of their own compositions as well (I tend to believe that not enough new music is written and performed).

All in all, very good. I find the Imani Winds to be a nice change of pace from "typical" classical music.

Imani Winds is a group that sounds like it would tackle music from any genre with gusto. This disc shows many of the different sides of the group. The arrangement of Tombeau on this disc is sensational - the group shows off its "classical" chops, creating swirling colors and atmospheres, amid impeccible performances that most woodwind quintets could only dream of. They are equally at home in worlds of Piazzolla and Santamaria, displaying their ability to crossover to jazz/latin music. I can't recommend this disc enough!

Just fantastic. Especially the Ravel piece. Heard it played on IPR.....had to get it. Very glad I did.

One of the good things about Accuradio is that you can sit here in Europe at your computer and listen to classical music from an american angle. Other ensembles, other soloists, other arrangements ... Without that possibility I would never have stumbled upon the Imani Winds. This is a very fine cd with a perfect sound and some very fine arrangements played just wonderfully. And I agree in all the superlatives from the other reviewers - but with this one reservation: Some of the arrangements are being played just this little bit too fast that the overall impression becomes a little shallow. Mostly Ravel, but also a few of the other compositions. I like the cd, but every time I listen to it I just have this little itch: Couldn't they dive a little bit deeper into the music instead of just playing it perfectly? - But go ahead, buy it. Most likely you'll love it!

I bought this album after seeing them in a concert. World class musicians that have a comfortable rapport with each other. They are also engaging on stage, obviously enjoying what they do.

The quintet is a form we don't hear much of now days, but it's really a grouping of instruments that has a lot of depth with the right performers. Another plus, in my book, is that they are committed to playing music that has been written in relatively modern times (since 1900, I think). However, they are not limited to works written specifically for a quintet. Jeff Scott seems to do many of the arrangements and does an excellent job as far as I'm concerned.