Sowerby: The Paul Whiteman Commissions (CD)

Evoking the Roaring Twenties, Chicago composer Leo Sowerby’s engaging and ingenious Synconata (1924) and Symphony for Jazz Orchestra (Monotony) (1925) — critically praised for their distinctive harmony, counterpoint and humor — receive world-premiere recordings by Chicago bandleader-trombonist Andrew Baker and his Andy Baker Orchestra. Rounding out the program are chamber compositions from the same period, including Sowerby’s String Quartet in D Minor, Serenade for String Quartet and Tramping Tune for piano and strings.

Sowerby Synconata
Andrew Baker conductor
Andy Baker Orchestra

Sowerby Serenade for String Quartet
Avalon String Quartet

Sowerby String Quartet in D Minor
Avalon String Quartet

Sowerby Tramping Tune for Piano and Strings
Winston Choi piano
Alexander Hanna string bass
Avalon String Quartet

Sowerby Symphony for Jazz Orchestra (Monotony)
Andrew Baker conductor
Andy Baker Orchestra

Discs: 1
Record Label: Cedille Records
Release Date: August 13, 2021