Clarinet Journal Review by Anna RoachAn American in Paris. Kristine Dizon, clarinet; Lindsay Garritson, piano. G. Gershwin/arr. R. Den- wood: Promenade "Walking the Dog"; F. Aubin: Deux Pièces en Forme Jazz, G. Tailleferre: Arabesque; B. Kovács: After You, Mr. Gershwin; N. Bacri: Prelude et toccata; Ó. Navarro: "Lenny" Fantasy for Clarinet and Piano; C. Boissier: From Midnight to Dawn, ballade for clarinet and piano; M. Mangani: "Blues" from An American in Paris; P. Harvey: Three Études on Themes of George Gershwin. Modern Artist Project. Total Time: 48:43.
In the ever-evolving world of music, some albums manage to capture the essence of bygone eras while infusing them with a fresh, contemporary spirit. Kristine Dizon's 2022 release of An American in Paris stands as an example of this balance, offering an homage to timeless compositions while embracing the musical landscape of to- day. Drawing inspiration from her time living in Paris while work- ing on her PhD in cultural studies and studying clarinet, Dizon and pianist Lindsay Garritson breathe life into timeless melodies and modern voices through their artistry and interpretation. The album opens with a cheerful performance of Promenade "Walking the Dog" by George Gershwin/arr. Denwood. The album then travels to Francine Aubin's Deux Pièces en Forme de Jazz which offers a distinctly French perspective. From the very first notes, Dizon captivates with her blend of classical finesse and modern resonance. Germaine Tailleferre was the only female member of the group of 20th-century French composers known as Les Six, and her Arabesque is a charming, quiet piece. Its floating quality, reminiscent of Eric Satie, is beautifully realized by Dizon's expression and elegance. The album's track list, carefully curated to maintain a sense of cohesion, then takes the listener to After You, Mr. Gershwin by Béla Kovács. Dizon's shimmering technique and stylistic flair enhance the playful and exuberant moments that evoke the bustling streets of Paris. Nicolas Bacri's Prelude et toccata, published in 2020, is one of the most recent pieces on this album. The two contrasting sections showcase Dizon's ability to narratively weave together different musical ideas. The opening section, "Prelude," captures the listener's attention with its lyrical and pensive character. The "Toccata" presents a shift in mood and energy. Bacri's skillful writing presents the clarinetist with cascading runs, intricate passages, and playful leaps that demand not only technical mastery but also a sense of joy. Bursting forth with rhythmic drive and lively tempo, Dizon performs this piece with vitality and style while retaining her beautiful, refined sound. "Lenny" Fantasy for Clarinet and Piano by Óscar Navarro, dedicated to Leonard Bernstein for the centenary of his birth, is a high-spirited tour-de-force. The liner notes state that the work was inspired by the jazz repertoire of Bernstein, which in turn took influence from Gershwin. This frenetic piece hinges around two rhythmic patterns and includes passages of body percussion and voice. Dizon reveals the brilliance and energy contained within the music with jubilant virtuosity. As an ensemble, Dizon and Garritson mesh wonderfully, weaving in and out of one another so effectively that at times they seem like one instrument. From Midnight to Dawn, ballade for clarinet and piano by French neoromantic composer Corentin Boissier, begins with a piano introduction after which the clarinet plays a vocal melodic line that searches and meanders, as if adrift. Dizon's interpretative dexterity is particularly notable in her phrasing and dynamic choices in this lovely piece. Celebrated Italian composer and clarinetist Michele Mangani anchors this collection of pieces with his "Blues" from An American in Paris. Its carefree homage to Gershwin allows Dizon and Garritson to explore the nuances of Mangani's composition while leaving their own artistic imprint. Dizon's choices are tasteful and sensitive, and demonstrate her ability to offer a fresh perspective while embracing the iconic and nostalgic jazz idioms. To conclude the album, Dizon delivers a first-rate performance of Three Études on Themes of George Gershwin. Rhythmic passages are played with a contagious energy and sparkling articulation, while delicate phrases receive subtle consideration and coloring that is consistent with Dizon's playing on the entire album. An American in Paris is a testament to the power of collaboration, musical passion, and creative interpretation. This finely cu- rated album deserves a place in the collection of any music enthusiast, offering a delightful escape into the realm of timeless beauty and artistic expression. - Anna Roach |