Cozens

Anthony Rooley - The Cozens Lute Book (1975) {Decca Eloquence 480 2300 rel 2010}
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© 1977, 2010 Decca Music / Universal | 480 2300 | Decca Eloquence Series
Classical / Renaissance / Early Music / Lute

What ties this exquisitely played collection of lute pieces together is that all appeared in the anthology whose pieces were chosen by one John Cozens. Searching through 16th-century manuscripts in the 1960s, Rooley evidently discovered many such personal collections, designed for each owner’s amusement and edification. Found in the Cambridge University library, the John Cozens Lute Book was distinguished in Rooley’s eyes by the collector’s taste, the “florid” ornamentation, and clarity. Rooley recorded a quarter of the music in the manuscript.

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This CD from Steps Ahead is probably most notable for introducing the fine keyboardist Rachel Z. Also in the group at the time were leader Mike Mainieri on MIDI vibraharp and synclavier, saxophonist Bendik, bassist Jeff Andrews and drummer Steve Smith. Put out by Mainieri's NYC label, this mostly high-powered performance consists of group originals, generally by Mainieri and Bendik.