The John Psathas Percussion Project (album) with Omar Carmenates

The idea for THE JOHN PSATHAS PERCUSSION PROJECT: VOLUME ONE began in 2013 with John Psathas’ piano and gamelan piece Waiting: Still which Omar Carmenates arranged for percussion trio. While unknown at the time, this arrangement launched a five-year-long relationship that culminates in Carmenates’ debut for PARMA Recordings. For THE JOHN PSATHAS PERCUSSION PROJECT: VOLUME ONE, Carmenates acts as arranger, director, and performer, and is joined by a roster of talented musicians including pianist Daniel Koppelman and drum set soloist Justin Alexander.

The works on THE JOHN PSATHAS PERCUSSION PROJECT: VOLUME ONE draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. Corybas was built around a particular dance groove found in Macedonia, and Piano Quintet is reflective of the work of composers ranging from Arvo Pärt to Johann Sebastian Bach. Drum Dances is heavily influenced by the drumming style of Dave Weckl, while the virtuoso keyboard duo Jettatura is inspired by an incredibly unlucky trip by the composer to his homeland of Greece.

The works of Greek composer John Psathas emerge from a truly dazzling 21st-century backdrop, where dynamic collaboration with creative masters from all corners of the physical and artistic globe result in outcomes that are visionary, moving, and inspired. Brought to life by Carmenates’ efforts, Psathas’ compositions invite listeners on an aural journey into his musical and ethnic history.

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Track List

Corybas for Percussion Ensemble by John Psathas

Piano Quintet for Percussion Ensemble and Piano by John Psathas

Drum Dances for Percussion Ensemble by John Psathas

Muisca for Percussion Duo by John Psathas

Matre's Dance for Percussion Ensemble by John Psathas

Jettatura for Percussion Duo by John Psathas

Aegean for Percussion Ensemble by John Psathas

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Credits

John Psathas composer
Omar Carmenates arranger

Justin Alexander drumset
Brian Baldauff percussion
Omar Carmenates vibraphone
Ryan Patterson marimba
Tommy Dobbs percussion
Emma Gierszal marimba
Justin Lamb percussion
Melinda Leoce percussion
Brian Nozny percussion
Ryan Patterson percussion
Luis Rivera percussion

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