Ari Mann Cohen - Vortex [LP]

Vortex introduces a bold new chapter for the oboe and English horn, instruments too often overlooked as chamber soloists. Oboist Ari Cohen Mann, praised for their "brilliant virtuosity" (The Whole Note), joins pianist Benjamin Smith, guitarist Daniel Ramjattan, and composer-pianist Kevin Day in a program spanning wit, lyricism, turbulence, and introspection. Vortex introduces a bold new chapter for the oboe and English horn, instruments too often overlooked as chamber soloists. The journey begins with Stravinsky's Pulcinella-here newly transcribed for oboe and piano by Cohen Mann and Cornelia Sommer-where Baroque elegance collides with Stravinsky's tongue-in-cheek neoclassicism. From there, Jennifer Higdon's poignant Aria leads into the album's title track, Kevin Day's electrifying VORTEX, premiered to a standing ovation at the International Double Reed Society Conference. Works by Rodney Sharman (Famous Last Words), Jean Coulthard (The Enchanted Island), and C. Tyler Nickel (English Horn Sonata) reveal the expressive depth and modern versatility of the English horn, while Jocelyn Morlock's Verdigris, arranged for oboe and guitar, offers a gentle closing meditation. Vortex celebrates the oboe and English horn as instruments of colour, drama, and lyricism-capable of anchoring an entire sonic world.