CLARE FISCHER: America the Beautiful

Clare Fischer

America the Beautiful

© 2002 Clare Fischer (659057562520)

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The music on this CD is from 2 LPs that have been unavailable for years, but are still being asked for. Both are written for piano and orchestra.

tracks

1 Ornithardy
2 Quiet Dawn
3 Bittersweet
4 Igor
5 Extension
6 Soloette
7 Passacaglia
8 Canto Africano
9 On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
10 A Time for Love
11 I Remember Spring
12 America the Beautiful
13 I'm Beginning to See the Light
14 Look At That Face
15 When Autumn Comes
16 Sleep Sweet Child
17 Opener
18 Here's That Rainy Day
19 The Shadow of Your Smile

notes

From the liner notes of "Extension:"

"Check out the instrumentation. It is as far from the standard big-band combination as you can imagine, for Fischer is acquainted with the vast army of woodwinds and brass that ordinarily populate symphony orchestras. Check out the players. Many of the players on this record were not those popular in the rehearsal bands around Hollywood at the time. Men such as Don Shelton, Jerry Coker, and Gary Foster. Yet Clare Fischer had been collecting the names of people he knew could play his music. And play the hell out of it they did.

"Only Jerry Coker and Clare play solos on this album. Thus the obligations of the writer are multiplied: it is he who must swing and feel loose if he wants his music to transmit these effects. And Clare succeeds abundantly in fulfilling this obligation. There are many places - in fact whole compositions in which swing and looseness are omitted in favor of other musical needs, but when he wants to, Fischer achieves a jazz pulse and phrasing that leave nothing to be desired."
--John William Hardy, 28 October 1983

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In 1978 Leonard Feather wrote of "Songs For Rainy Day Lovers:"

"There are, in today's vast inventory of recordings, innumerable albums of popular music. There are albums that are written by gifted arrangers, and others that are played by superbly equipped instrumental soloists. Then, too, there are the albums created by artists whose roots are in jazz.

"This one has the rare distinction of falling into all four categories. The reason is clear: all the arrangements of popular songs, as well as the instrumental solos and the jazz roots can be traced to one man. Clare Fischer is one of those rare individuals who can feel at ease, and make that feeling buoyantly evident, in an almost limitless range of musical settings.

"Clare's music reflects the personality of the man. As you talk with him you are struck by his firmness and conviction; at the same time his intellectual honesty and integrity cannot fail to impress you. The keynote is precision without pedantry. Of the music in this album he says: 'Other than what is heard on the fast tempo numbers, everything is on the quiet, subdued level that I hope will be appealing. I tried to do some things that could interest a wide range of listeners while employing some interesting harmonic ideas.'

"For Clare Fischer, whose horizons in music would seem to be limitless, these impeccable performances constitute a most auspicious debut. For the listener who may be making his acquaintance through these sides, they offer a striking illustration of a major talent." --Leonard Feather

reviews

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  • America the Beautiful
    author: Lori Hunt

    I haven't been so moved by a piece of music in a very long time. I am a music teacher on the east coast of Florida and have been receiving a sheet music magazine subcription for many years. In one of the publications is the piano rendition of the title song form Mr. Fischer's album. I enjoy hearing, when possible, the composer's interpretation of his work -- it gives more depth to my own or a student's rendering of the piece. From the first strains of the violins to the last lingering tones I was swept away in a wave of pride for our country and my heart swelled to overflowing tears trickling down my face...America the Beautiful -- God in song. Words do not do the title piece justice, but just as the title piece is gorgeous the rest of the album is just as beautiful and fun. Any buyer would be proud to own this masterpiece collection. Clare Fischer is brillant!

  • superb
    author: AFJM van Bommel

    If I had to put someone's ears to the jazztest, a solo from Clare Fischer would be my first choice.It's about time they start to remaster all Fischer lp's,now only available through Cadence, Redwood NY.Typical this great musician is mostly self-taught which partly explains the music's complete uniqueness.

  • Major statement from a genius
    author: Per Lundin

    This album finds Clare Fischer-the composer,arranger and pianist in top form; his pianoplaying is in excellent shape,and the musicians swings really hard. And such high quality musicians is what Fischer's amazing arrangements truly deserves. A major statement from a genius, this album is ideal for those who begin to explore the music of Clare Fischer!

  • great CD from an underrated master
    author: Paul Duynhouwer

    This is a great CD which reveals Clare Fischer in all his greatness as a composer, arranger and pianist.The first segment Extension features Jerry Coker whose Konitz/Marsh inspired tenor playing is intelligent and exciting. Clare's arrangement of America the Beautiful almost brought me to tears--it should replace any and all versions of the national anthem. This CD is a must for the discerning listener. Please bring out more CD's by this great musician!

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