Description
Award-winning, critically acclaimed composer presents an awe-inspiring musical journey!
All Compositions by Scott Routenberg
Scott Routenberg, keyboards, programming, vocals
Sofia Kraevska, vocals
Howard Levy, harmonica, bamboo flutes and pennywhistle
Phil Doyle, tenor sax
Chris Whiteman, acoustic guitar
Jonathan Raveneau, violin
“[Inside]” is the musical product of Routenberg’s months-long quarantine during the pandemic of 2020.
“I often longed to get out of the house and explore the world as it once was,” he notes. “This desire led me to create vivid soundscapes that fulfilled those dreams, all from the seclusion of my home studio.”
As the musical journey unfolds, a gradual shift from light to dark mirrors the awe-inspiring trials and tribulations of these strange days.
“Introduction (Enter)” sets the stage for an all-embracing musical adventure that draws upon Scott’s experience as a jazz pianist, orchestral composer, and electro-acoustic programmer. “Light Smasher” exudes energy and color, synthesizing a love of electronic music, drum and bass, the symphony orchestra, and modern jazz fusion and improvisation. Five-petaled flowers can be described as “Pentamerous”; a beautiful garden. On May 7, 2020, the world experienced a “Flower Moon” (May’s Supermoon) at the height of the pandemic and quarantine. Here, the listener takes a journey across the globe. “Hidden Stars” provides swirling, sparkling polyrhythms and warm string swells. “Home Sweet Home” features harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy on a rollicking trip through the sounds of Americana. Jonathan Raveneau burns on the fiddle, and Chris Whiteman guests on acoustic guitar. “Native Land” was inspired after seeing the Native American protests at Mount Rushmore this past July. Guest artist Howard Levy gives an unforgettable performance once again–this time on various flutes and whistles. July is the peak of Indiana firefly activity – “Fireflies” gave nightly shows. 2020 has been relentlessly apocalyptic, a reality depicted in “Days of Wrath”. The album closes with an introspective, slightly dissonant lullaby titled “The Day We Went Away”. The track opens with the sounds of gentle raindrops on the window sill and a steady distant chorus of tree frogs and crickets–the sounds of nature amplified when people suddenly left the landscape.