Kelly Ellenwood
of Beacon, NY

Description

Introducing Madera Vox (Wood + Voice)

 Make no mistake - oboe, bassoon, piano, percussion and voice is an unusual configuration.  There are not reams of sheet music already in print for this combo. It was obvious from the start of our group’s collaboration that the music we program would have to either be specially arranged, or originally written for us. The sound palette of this ensemble offers fertile opportunity for colorful arrangements.  It also lends itself to a certain freedom from stylistic constraints.  Madera Vox seeks a soundscape and aesthetic that flows seamlessly across styles.  At core, there is a classical foundation, but what is launched from there takes off into uncharted territory. We are most fortunate to have our relentlessly inventive percussionist, David Gluck, double as composer/arranger for the ensemble. Dave’s arrangements and compositions transform the elements of our quintet into Madera Vox.

 Our unique array of instruments and blend of timbres clamors for an equally distinctive choice of repertoire. It is no coincidence that we have gravitated towards programming the music of composers whose creative paths are unconventional and/or whose music is intensely coloristic. Each of the composers on this disc represents a tonal mastery and versatility of expression that often confound neat labels of categorization.

 Factored into the mix is the diversity of the musicians.  All of the members of Madera Vox have a foundation of conservatory-level classical music training. Over the years, oboist Nicole Golay, bassoonist Cornelia McGiver and pianist Sylvia Buccelli have pursued classical performing careers. Soprano Kelly Ellenwood has distinguished Broadway credentials, and percussionist David Gluck has toured internationally as a jazz and rock drummer. Madera Vox is a collaborative synthesis of each member’s contributions, which in turn challenges each player’s versatility.  The resulting musical alchemy is not your mother’s double reed based ensemble.  It’s accessible, engaging, playful, insightful, and pure gold.

 Unusual instruments, unusual music, an unusual combination of players.

 We chose the following Kurt Weill quote for our CD as it is particularly germane to our endeavor: “I have never acknowledged the difference between 'serious' music and 'light' music. There is only good music and bad music.”  Is Madera Vox classical? Is it jazz-inspired?  Is it some hybrid? Labels become unimportant when the music is this riveting.  Simply stated, it’s all good music.  Please enjoy.

http://www.maderavox.org