Clarinet legend Richard Stoltzman and virtuoso marimbist Mika Stoltzman have come together to bring forth a rather delightful, entertaining and vibrant new collection of arrangements evoking the past and new works of the present on Palimpsest.

Including music by J.S. Bach, William Thomas McKinley, Astor Piazzolla, Maurice Ravel and John Zorn, the album is not only the fruit of the Stoltzman's musical partnership, but their relationship as husband and wife.

JS Bach (1685-1750)
1. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue (15:51)
2. Chaconne (16:51)
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
3. Pavane pour une infante deěfunte (6:47)
William Thomas McKinley (1938-2015)
4. Mostly Blues Nos. 2, 8 & 12 (6:10)
John Zorn (b. 1953)
5. Palimpsest (4:44)
Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
6. Tango–Eětude No. 5 (2:30)
7. Fuga y misterio (6:10)

This quite brilliant, dulcet and charming, precise and yet ever flowing album begins in gentle form with two of Bach's works: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue allows Mika to step to the fore, whilst Chaconne showcases the talent of Richard.

Ravel's perky Pavane pour une infante deěfunte is excellently performed here by Richard on clarinet with McKinley's sprightly Mostly Blues Nos. 2, 8 & 12 allows for the Stoltzman's harmonious relationship (along with some wondrous work from Hector Del Curto on bandoneon) to come to the fore, once again.

My own personal favorite here is the collection's title track, Palimpsest for Clarinet and Marimba (by Zorn) which has Richard most definitely reaching musical heights (quite literally) that allow Mika's marimba undercurrent to create a beautiful backbone for him.

This insightful and stunning album rounds out with two from Piazzolla: first the playful peaks and troughs of the magical Tango–Eětude No. 5 and then the quietly captivating Fuga y misterio brings things to a stoically ethereal close.

Amazon CD Purchase Link

www.RichardStoltzman.com

www.Mikarimba-Stoltzman.com