Purple Patches

Classical music, new works for piano and clarinet as well as improvisations of the moment make up this debut recording of the Amicus Music Duo of Vancouver, BC.

Pianist/composer Craig Addy and clarinetist Howard Meadows have two things in common, the amicable conversations of a long friendship and a mutual, intense love of the human voice. Many of the selections in this CD have the same things in common. Whenever possible, real conversations between piano and clarinet have been the goal. As well, piano and clarinet duets in Craig Addy’s new compositions and arrangements aim to coax the singer out of both instruments.

Purple patches are elusive musical moments, similar to a perfect putt, a silver-bullet delivery of a line on stage, or a brush stroke turned to unbelievable light on canvas. Although both Craig and Howard have very fond memories of their many gifted mentors, the notion of “purple patches” was introduced to the Duo by an inspiring music teacher who, because of his caring enthusiasm, talent and wit was a purple patch of life himself. Whether in the Aria for Clarinet composed to be played with J.S. Bach’s Prelude III, or in the classics, or in the new compositions and improvisations, the chase for purple for which all performers and listeners ache is always foremost. In recording this album, pushing the edge of elusive moments meant that all of the improvisations were totally unplanned, unrehearsed and each recorded in only one take.

Learn more about the Amicus Music Duo at www.amicusmusicduo.com

This CD is dedicated to the memory of Cortland Hultberg, Professor of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.