NOW Ensemble - NOW (2008)

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NOW Ensemble - NOW (2008)

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NOW Ensemble re-defines chamber music for the 21st century, fusing "the formal elegance of chamber music with a pop-honed concision and rhythmic vitality." (Time Out New York) Their critically-acclaimed debut album, called "outstanding" by The Washington Post and the recipient of several five-star reviews, is aptly titled NOW.

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NOW Ensemble - NOW (2008)

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NOW Ensemble - NOW (2008)

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"NOW Ensemble is a smart young chamber group that straddles a line between contemporary classical music and indie rock. The ensemble has just released their debut album, which features some of today’s rising young composers."
- John Schaefer, WNYC's Soundcheck

"(Five Stars) [Judd] Greenstein’s wistful Folk Music and passionate Sing Along serve as bookends on the eponymous debut recording by NOW Ensemble, a polished, versatile chamber group consisting of flute, clarinet, electric guitar, piano and double bass. Members Patrick Burke and Mark Dancigers contribute two works apiece; rising star Nico Muhly provides How About Now. Despite their diversity, what unites these pieces is the way they combine the formal elegance of chamber music with a pop-honed concision and rhythmic vitality." - Steve Smith, Time Out New York

One thing that will impress many listeners who feel that everything having to do with contemporary music involves cold, difficult harmony and/or endless repetition is that every work on this program deals with neither. All of this music is bright, engaging, witty, and, yes, youthful. When the composition professor puts out the inbox on his desk, he's running an agenda; the assignment, whatever it is, must be fulfilled. The NOW Ensemble isn't running any kind of agenda; the music is free and intuitive and it is not afraid to draw on modality, melody, jazz harmonies, or even rock rhythms, but the music remains unquestionably classical in terms of its focus and musicianship. New Amsterdam's NOW is a first-class debut for NOW Ensemble, and, pace George Bernard Shaw, isn't a waste of youth or anything else. More of this is demanded, not requested. www.allmusic.com