Cross Country (2018, Artists Recording Collective)
represents another facet of the musical partnership
between guitarists William Flynn and Tim Fischer, a
partnership that has spanned over four years and
multiple states. The shared aesthetics and priorities that
have guided their previous teaching, writing, presenting,
and playing are present on Cross Country’s eight tracks.
Never living in the same state, Flynn and Fischer have
maintained their collaborations through regular phone
meetings and annual in-person collaborations. The
album receives its title from these meetings. Cross
Country’s music is the result of a 1,300+ miles trip in 2017
between Kansas and South Carolina. Both are jazz guitar
educators at colleges (Flynn at Wichita State University,
Fischer at Coastal Carolina University) and have cowritten
a book on the subject of guitar duets (Jazz Guitar
Duets, Mel Bay 2016).
Cross Country eschews the traditional jazz rhythm section
of bass and drums in favor of the more intimate and
interactive guitar duet format, a rich tradition that dates
back to the beginnings of jazz guitar. Flynn and Fischer
have taken a conversational approach to performing this
material, while still presenting plenty of opportunities for
their guitar pyrotechnics. The album consists exclusively
of original compositions, equally representing the
writing of each performer. The album’s compositions
reference bebop, samba, modern jazz, vand even
classical counterpoint, helping to frame the performer’s
improvisations in a variety of settings. Fans of jazz guitar
and composition are sure to enjoy William Flynn and Tim
Fischer’s Cross Country.
1. Dawn 05:42
2. Wildacres 06:32
3. Rose Creek 05:43
4. Prince's Waltz 05:42
5. Stargazing 06:27
6. Winter Ballad 06:16
7. Anacapa 05:16
8. Homecoming (for Colleen) 05:32
Engineering - Tim Fischer
Mixing/Mastering - Cynthea Kelley
Compositions by:
Tim Fischer - tracks 1, 4, 6 & 7
William Flynn - tracks 2, 3, 5 & 8
Recorded July 17, 2017 - Wheelwright Recording Studio at Coastal Carolina University
