Mother Earth is the result of an idea that I have had for some time now. Seeing the change in our environment over recent years has been somewhat discouraging. Even more discouraging is our perception of our responsibility to our planet. It is my hope that this project helps us to slow down, think, and truly realize the beauty of our world. This project was influenced by my understanding of science and the way in which nature behaves. If you can, listen, and enjoy, in nature.
Night and Day is a solo piano arrangement of the jazz standard Night and Day by Cole Porter. This meditative reflection highlights the beauty that can be heard by listening to nature at night.
Tea Tree is a song inspired by the infinite ways that nature exists, including its asymmetry. The piano ostinato is in five which although considered to be an odd time signature, still has a comfortable dance to it in this piece. Additionally, there is a consistent tempo. The way in which the instruments interact is very organic and leaves room to understand that music, as well as nature, is infinite in the ways it can interact.
Mother Earth is a piece written through the lens of an excursion through three different regions (Africa, South America, and India). Each country lasts for exactly one day. This is illustrated through the form of the piece. Each section is exactly 24 measures long indicating a full day. The bass clarinet punctuates the middle of the day at the 12-hour mark and there is a 5 beat transition that signals the next day.
The Garden of Eden is the only piece of music to date that I have both written the lyrics and composed the music. It is my hope that we can return to a world that is more compassionate-- not only towards the environment but in the way we interact with all life on this planet.
1. Night and Day 02:32
2. Mother Earth 02:14
3. Tea Tree 03:32
4. The Garden of Eden 04:27
Evon J. Sams- Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Piano
Alysha McElroy- Hodges-Lead and Background Vocals for The Garden of Eden
Runere Brooks- Acoustic Bass on The Garden of Eden and Tea Tree
Joel Baer- Drums on The Garden of Eden and Tea Tree
Kevin Nadolski- Mixing and Mastering
Bernice Mersala Batt- Consultant
Scott Stolarz- Consultant
Haley Hamilton- Editor
