Customer Reviews

Where the Sunsets Bleed

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The music here shows real diversity and talent. The compositions are distinct in style and unique. The performances are really top-notch. I'd definitely recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates fine composition and musicianship.

This is a cd filled with energy and beauty. Edward knight is an artist that paints various pictures for us without paint; tells a storey without words and invokes feeling with his music. Teaming with Ms. Lister to give us the poetry of Langston Hughes is genius. Teaming with the outstanding musicians on this cd to introduce his works is simply brilliant.

Each selection either tells us a new story--without words; or as in the final cut, "Where the Sunsets Bleed", shows us a true picture of the west, without paint or camera.

Edward Knight is truly an artist!

Edward Knight's album "Where the Sunsets Bleed" represents a brilliant and clear collection of the diversity and versatility that his music portrays. This album captures a wide variety of influences in his music's melodic and harmonic nuances and delicacies from classical and jazz to pop. Storytelling is the common thread throughout the selected works highlighting Knight's vast artistic range.

Knight's "Life is Fine" song cycle for soprano and orchestra (a collection of Langston Hughes poems) displays his keen knowledge of the voice while depicting the serious and comedic sides of the human condition. Soprano Marquita Lister is outstanding in her interpretation of the music's classical yet bluesy feel. This piece is ultimately a light-hearted celebration of life. Knight's instrumental works- both his chamber pieces "Romance for Clarinet and Piano" and "Where the Sunsets Bleed" as well as his solo piece written for marimba "Lost Luggage" - are collectively textured by Knight's ingenious storytelling abilities. While the playful qualities of "Romance for Clarinet and Piano" are played up by Chad Burrow and Amy I-Len Cheng, the more ethereal and furious sides of "Where the Sunsets Bleed" are brought out by David Russell and Geoff Burleson.

Lastly, there is a return to comedy as Knight's persistent sense of humor infiltrates "Lost Luggage" (the story of a traveler who has lost his suitcase), which is beautifully depicted on the marimba by David Steffens. The album's overall rich and colorful tone will keep you discovering new dimensions of the music with each new listening.

I must agree with all of you. I am so blessed to have Dr. Knight as my composition professor at Oklahoma City University and I will testify, he is a TRUE genius!!! (If only you could have heard the fanfare he composed for the opening of our new music building. It was so amazing!! I still get chills thinking about it.)

I would highly recommend this CD to any and everyone. As you said, Dr. Knight has an amazing gift for story telling and imagery in his music and all the artists on the album are incredible!

Here's his website. Check it out!
www.edwardknight.com

Have a great day,
-Rick