Caia Upper Mark

"Sir Mark Elder has long been hailed for his interpretation of the works of Sir Mark Elgar. This special release 6CD set celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the Halle label and marks Halle’s Elgar oratorios festival at the Bridgewater Hall in June 2023. This box set brings together Elgar’s three major oratorios. The multiple award-winning recordings feature the highly acclaimed Halle Chorus and Youth Choir as well as vocalists, Alice Coote, Paul Groves, Bryn Terfel, Rebecca Evans, Jacques Imbrailo, David Kempster, Brindley Sherratt, Claire Rutter, Susan Bickley, John Hudson and Iain Paterson. ‘The Halle’s glorious recording represents the pinnacle of the orchestra’s association with Elgar’s monumental work under Elder.’ - Gramophone"

The album's first track "Oleo" features Mark taking the melody up two octaves and then igniting the bridge with extreme upper register improvisation. His solos combine power, grace, and nimble fingering with an inexhaustible supply of endurance. Mark's soaring sound pays tribute to the essence of Maynard Ferguson with his heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream". Mark then captures the distinctive sound of Clifford Brown and blows with a dark roast in his hauntingly auspicious version of "I'll Remember Clifford." Mark's performance on this CD are depictions of his agility and unbridled power in the upper register combined with his ability to perform a widely diverse variety of musical styles.

New York-based pianist/composer Mark Soskin, following the successful previous (his first SteepleChase release) trio album 'Hearts and Minds', returns to the studio with his dream rhythm section in pursuit of perfecting the art of piano trio jazz. Here he is on his own ballgame as the leader of a vital, fine interacting trio…Soskin has a beautiful touch, a lyrical temper with unfailing ease. The music feels timeless and fresh as it often does when the recording session starts with the first take in house and completes in three and half hours.

The Brooklyn based Upper Wilds features Dan Friel (Parts & Labor) on guitar and vocals, bassist/vocalist Zach Lehrhoff (Ex Models, Pterodactyl) and drummer Jeff Ottenbacher.