GRADATIONS is the debut album by Melbourne saxophonist SIMON PIANTA. The album is an exploration into the melodic possibilities of the alto saxophone and various guitar pedals. It is a contribution to the genre of solo saxophone albums, recognising and paying tribute to those before it. Listened to in sequence, the pieces draw you into a journey of discovery about layering, modulation, phrasing and the beauty of the instrument.
The album is co-produced by two-time Emmy Award winner Guus Hoevenaars and was recorded in Melbourne.
1. Gradations 04:38
2. Assonance 01:11
3. Prairie 03:11
4. Forgotten Land 00:39
5. Market Moves 02:29
6. Stay Well Within 04:02
7. Bobby and Jean 04:29
8. Lament for Jean 02:17
9. Pinky Pops 03:30
Instrumentation: Solo Alto Saxophone (Aizen "Fuga" serial A000288, Jody mouthpieces, Vandoren reeds), various pedals
Produced by Simon Pianta / Guus Hoevenaars
Recorded April and May 2018 at Newmarket in sunny Melbourne
Engineer: Guus Hoevenaars (all, except Stay Well Within engineered by Callum Barter, Forgotten Land artist own)
Mastering by Don Bartley at Benchmark Mastering
All compositions by Simon Pianta
Recorded on Wurundjeri land
CD Cover design by Christine Rethus
