Motéma Proudly Releases “Convergence”, by Lynne Arriale
Pianist/composer Lynne Arriale is still experiencing the momentum of her previous release, a dizzying flurry of magazine covers, features and stellar critical accolades heralding her skills as an, “ingenious arranger, composer, soloist and performer . . . Arriale has made one of the most original ensemble recordings of 2009. Nuance is an album of brilliant group interpretations, finely crafted original material, intricate arrangements and rapt solos”—DownBeat. Arriale strikes again with Convergence, an eloquent new work of power and strength exploring previously uncharted musical waters, featuring a new band of some of New York City’s most in-demand players, Bill McHenry on tenor sax, Omer Avital on bass & oud, and her stalwart new drummer (who also played on Nuance), Anthony Pinciotti.
On Convergence, Arriale displays prowess, agility and finesse, in leading her new band, and shining on a repertoire of six memorable originals and five unexpected pop tunes, ranging from the George Harrison and John Lennon’s classic, Here Comes the Sun, to Sting’s bluesy Sister Moon, the Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black, Blondie’s Call Me and Something I Can Never Have by Nine Inch Nails, all brilliantly re-imagined. On her own compositions she demonstrates a broad compositional skill and a range of cultural and folkloric influences, from the straight ahead jazz romp on Elements to the mystical excitement of Dance Of The Rain’s Middle Eastern influences, featuring the highly acclaimed Israeli bassist, Omer Avital, on the oud. Celtic influences are clearly evident as well, such as on the up-tempo tour de force, Here and Now and the more rhythmic, harmonic and cultural intersections of Convergence, enhanced by the fresh, lyrical voice of tenor saxophonist Bill McHenry. Two stunning ballads, For Peace and The Simple Things, shine a light on the particular strength Arriale has of “tugging at the heart strings” (Randy Brecker), a trait that has made her a favorite of audiences internationally.
For more information about this release, to hear samples from this CD, and/or to purchase this CD please visit Lynne Arriale’s Website