Omar Carmenates - The John Psathas Percussion Project, Vol. 1 (2019) [Official Digital Download]

The idea for The John Psathas Percussion Project, Vol. 1 began in 2013 with John Psathas’ piano and gamelan piece Waiting: Still which Omar Carmenates arranged for percussion trio. While unknown at the time, this arrangement launched a five-year-long relationship that culminates in Carmenates’ debut for PARMA Recordings. For The John Psathas Percussion Project, Vol. 1, Carmenates acts as arranger, director, and performer, and is joined by a roster of talented musicians including pianist Daniel Koppelman and drum set soloist Justin Alexander.

The works on The John Psathas Percussion Project, Vol. 1 draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. Corybas was built around a particular dance groove found in Macedonia, and Piano Quintet is reflective of the work of composers ranging from Arvo Pärt to Johann Sebastian Bach. Drum Dances is heavily influenced by the drumming style of Dave Weckl, while the virtuoso keyboard duo Jettatura is inspired by an incredibly unlucky trip by the composer to his homeland of Greece.

The works of Greek composer John Psathas emerge from a truly dazzling 21st-century backdrop, where dynamic collaboration with creative masters from all corners of the physical and artistic globe result in outcomes that are visionary, moving, and inspired. Brought to life by Carmenates’ efforts, Psathas’ compositions invite listeners on an aural journey into his musical and ethnic history.

Tracklist:
01. Corybas (arr. O. Carmenates for percussion ensemble): Corybas (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble)
02. Piano Quintet (Arr. O. Carmenates for Piano & Percussion Ensemble): I. —
03. Piano Quintet (Arr. O. Carmenates for Piano & Percussion Ensemble): II. —
04. Piano Quintet (Arr. O. Carmenates for Piano & Percussion Ensemble): III. —
05. Drum Dances (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): I. —
06. Drum Dances (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): II. —
07. Drum Dances (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): III. —
08. Drum Dances (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): IV. —
09. Muisca (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): I. Soledad
10. Muisca (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): II. Chia
11. Muisca (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble): III. El DoradoOmar Carmenates
12. Matre's Dance (arr. O. Carmenates for percussion ensemble): Matre's Dance (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion)
13. Jettatura (arr. O. Carmenates for percussion ensemble): Jettatura (Arr. O. Carmenates for Marimba & Vibraphone)
14. Aegean (arr. O. Carmenates for percussion ensemble): Aegean (Arr. O. Carmenates for Percussion Ensemble)

Personnel:
Daniel Koppelman, piano
Justin Alexander, drumset
Omar Carmenates, vibraphone, marimba, percussion
Ryan Patterson, marimba
Omar Carmenates, vibraphone
Emma Gierszal, marimba
Justin Lamb, marimba, vibraphone