In "Goss: The Flower of Cities - Houghton: The Light on the Edge," legendary guitarist John C. Williams delivers a captivating exploration of two significant chamber works, each offering a unique sonic journey. The album, released on February 16, 2018, under JCW Recordings, showcases Williams' mastery and versatility, making it a standout addition to his illustrious career.
The first half of the album is dedicated to Stephen Goss' "The Flower of Cities," a piece commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the City of London Festival. Inspired by William Dunbar's poetic tribute to London, this suite of eleven movements paints a vivid musical portrait of the city's iconic landmarks and historic sites. From the grandeur of "Tower Bridge" to the tranquility of "Inner Temple Garden," Williams and his ensemble navigate the urban landscape with precision and artistry.
The second half of the album features Phillip Houghton's "The Light on the Edge," a four-movement work that complements the urban themes of "The Flower of Cities" with its own atmospheric and evocative soundscapes. Each piece, from the enigmatic "Yin" to the fiery "Spiralling Blue Flame," offers a distinct mood and texture, demonstrating the ensemble's dynamic range and Williams' interpretive depth.
Throughout the album, Williams is joined by an impressive lineup of musicians, including Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, and others, who contribute to the rich tapestry of sound. The result is a compelling and immersive listening experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of these contemporary classical works. With a duration of 46 minutes, "Goss: The Flower of Cities - Houghton: The Light on the Edge" is a testament to John C. Williams' enduring talent and his ability to breathe new life into the classical genre.
Tracks
The Flower of Cities: I. Broadgate SculpturesStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Flower of Cities: II. Tower BridgeStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden
The Flower of Cities: III. Finsbury CircusStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Flower of Cities: IV. London BridgeStephen Goss, Max Baillie
The Flower of Cities: V. Bunhill FieldsStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Flower of Cities: VI. Southwark BridgeStephen Goss, Laurence Ungless
The Flower of Cities: VII. The Cries of LondonStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Flower of Cities: VIII. Millenium BridgeStephen Goss, John C. Williams
The Flower of Cities: IX. Bartholomew's FairStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Flower of Cities: X. Blackfriars BridgeStephen Goss, Timothy Evans
The Flower of Cities: XI. Inner Temple GardenStephen Goss, John C. Williams, Craig Ogden, Max Baillie, Laurence Ungless, Timothy Evans, Thomas Carroll
The Light on the Edge: I. YinPhillip Houghton, John C. Williams, Gary Ryan, Laurence Ungless, Lucy Wakeford, David Holmes, Thomas Carroll
The Light on the Edge: II. RimPhillip Houghton, John C. Williams, Gary Ryan, Laurence Ungless, Lucy Wakeford, David Holmes, Thomas Carroll
The Light on the Edge: III. Turquoise SeaPhillip Houghton, John C. Williams, Gary Ryan, Laurence Ungless, Lucy Wakeford, David Holmes, Thomas Carroll
The Light on the Edge: IV. Spiralling Blue FlamePhillip Houghton, John C. Williams, Gary Ryan, Laurence Ungless, Lucy Wakeford, David Holmes, Thomas Carroll
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