Billy Martin: Starlings (Tzadik)

A striking and colorful CD of chamber music by Billy Martin, the dynamic percussionist from one of the world’s most popular instrumental bands, Medeski Martin and Wood. Performed and recorded originally on a wide variety of African thumb pianos, these delightful pieces have been meticulously transcribed, arranged and orchestrated by Anthony Coleman for string quartet and chamber orchestra. Rounding out the program is a suite of compositions performed by Billy’s dynamic percussion ensemble.

Personnel:
Jennifer Choi: Violin
Anthony Coleman: Conductor
Trevor Dunn: Bass
Jill Jaffe: Viola
Ron Lawrence: Viola
Okkyung Lee: Cello
Billy Martin: Percussion, Mbiras, Conductor
Doug Wieselman: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Greg Burrows: Percussion
David Butler: Percussion
Helen Campo: Flutes
Vincent Chancey: French Horn
Dave Eggar: Cello
David Freeman: Percussion
Jacob Garchik: Trombone
Jonathan Grusauskas: Percussion
Gregor Huebuer: Violin
Julia Jarcho: Percussion
Mark Karwan: Percussion
Alexandra Knoll: Oboe, English Horn
Brad Koegel: Percussion
Jed Kosiner: Percussion
Andrew Mcauley: Percussion
Charlie Porter: Trumpet
Luke Schneiders: Percussion
Aaron Shragge: Percussion