CNY Jazz Orchestra charts with album on Middle East theme
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Larry Luttinger
CNY Jazz Arts Foundation
T: (315) 479-5299
C: (315) 436-9082
larry@cnyjazz.org
CNY Jazz Orchestra charts with album on Middle East theme
“If a White Horse from Jerusalem” explores conflict and resolution
August 24, 2024, Syracuse NY – Syracuse’s Central New York Jazz Orchestra has released an ambitious, long-awaited recording that is making a splash in the music world. Garnering critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, “If a White Horse from Jerusalem” is climbing the three major jazz charts, currently at #31 on the RMR listings.
From concept to recording, the effort has spanned almost 13 years. Originally commissioned by the Syracuse University Humanities Center as an offering of their annual symposium, themed that year as “Conflict: Peace and War,” with additional funding from Syracuse University Hillel and the Jewish Federation of Central New York, “If a White Horse from Jerusalem,” featuring David Liebman and composed by CNYJO Music Director Bret Zvacek was world-premiered April 16th 2011 in celebration of the orchestra’s 15th Anniversary season.
After the concert, Mr. Liebman suggested they record it – high praise coming from an NEA Jazz Master (he was inducted that year.) That promise was not forgotten.
The arts grant establishment didn’t offer a funding source for such things until an opportunity came along in the form of ARPA recovery funding for programming administered by CNY Arts. With that funding and new funding from the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Bousquet Holstein PLLC, and individuals, the four-movement suite was performed again and subsequently recorded in Temple Adath Yeshurun in Syracuse in November of 2022.
The title of the suite is taken from opening line of Egyptian-born Israeli poet Ada Aharoni’s peace poem of the same name. It explores ancient and traditional melodies from Jewish and Arabic history, intertwining and resolving them through four movements: Ahava Raba, Allahu Allahu/Maqam Awj Ara, Ki Lo Noeh/Maqam Saba, and Present Tense.
In addition to the 30-minute suite, the album includes additional pieces composed or arranged by members of the CNYJO, a regional composers’ orchestra serving the region since 1996.
Critical acclaim for the album to date includes glowing reviews.
Thierry De Clemensat of PARIS-MOVE wrote, “Dave Liebman, luminous and resplendent, a witness to an era that clearly breaks his heart, brings intelligence and beauty here. This work should be saluted both artistically and intellectually—it is simply grandiose.”
George Harris of Jazz Weekly opined, “Liebman’s soprano takes the part of shofar at times, and other moments that of a cantor, then creating crescent moons of glowing late-night atmosphere. The mix of Semitic and swing is as delicious as za’atar on bread.”
“This project could have faded away long ago, but my strong belief in its quality and relevance, not to mention Dave Liebman’s offer, kept me looking for grant support until it materialized over a decade later,” said Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz founder and CNYJO member. “We had no idea how relevant this piece would be in light of current world events when we world premiered it here. We hope that in some way it increases understanding, promotes unity, and fosters peace.”
The album is available on all streaming platforms and may be sampled and downloaded at bandcamp.com. CDs may be purchased at https://www.cnyjazz.org/merchandise/
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