Welcome

I am a composer/performer currently residing in Chicago. My music, in whatever form it takes, is simultaneously rooted in and critically engaged with tradition. I am particularly interested in the relationship between vernacular and "art" musics and the combination of improvisation and composition.

Featured Recordings

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Dig Absolutely (2010)
The Spektral Quartet

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Blowhard (2010)
Danny Fisher-Lochhead, alto sax
Craig Weinrib, drums

New Recordings of Violin Pieces

I got my friend Austin Wulliman into “the studio” following his solo recital in February to record two recent solo violin pieces of mine (water(l)ily and Belles Lettres).  After languishing on my hard drive for a month or two, I finally got around to editing and polishing the recordings.  They are now available on their respective pages.

Interview/Conversation with Austin Wulliman

I recently sat down with my friends Ammie Brod and Austin Wulliman to discuss Austin’s solo recital on February 15th at Nichols Hall in Evanston, IL.  The recital, presented by Ensemble Dal Niente, features the world premiere of Belles Lettres as well as a performance of water(l)ily.

Check out the interview here and consider coming out for the concert this Wednesday! More info here.

Marcus Weiss shines in the premiere of “Torch Song”

On Wednesday, February 1st, saxophonist Marcus Weiss gave a sensitive and utterly convincing performance in the world premiere of my piece, Torch Song.  His deep understanding of the instrument, its history, and his indefatigable dedication to the performance of new music made it a pleasure for me to work with Marcus over the course of several days as he prepared the piece. While in the Chicago area, Marcus also worked with my friends Dave Reminick and Elliot Cless.

Check out the score and a recording of Marcus playing the piece here.

The Spektral Quartet plays “Dig Absolutely”

Check out this video of the Spektral Quartet performing my string quartet, “Dig Absolutely”, on their December 5th concert in Evanston, IL.  It is an absolute pleasure to have my music played by musicians the caliber of these guys.  Also, as the first installment in his new blog, my close friend and collaborator Austin Wulliman has written eloquently about this piece.  Find his blog here, and while you’re there, be sure to check out the Spektral Quartet’s website.

Anubis Quartet to premiere a new saxophone quartet by CFL

On February 24th, 2012, the Anubis Quartet will give the premiere of a new work for saxophone quartet in Phoenix, AZ.  I feel honored and elated to work with this group, having admired their chops, musicianship, and devotion to new music for a long time.  The new work will also be reprised at a concert in the Chicago area in the 2012-2013 season.

Bravo Dal Niente!

Friday, September 30th, 2011:  Thanks to Ensemble Dal Niente for a sensitive rendition of my arrangement of Gesualdo’s “Io Parto E Non Piu Dissi” last night at Mayne Stage and bravo on a riveting performance of Fausto Romitelli’s Professor Bad Trip.

Launch!

I’m happy to say that after several days of hermit-like existence, my website is now up and running.  Although there is still some polishing and refining yet to be done, the overall form and style of the site is set.  For those of you who are in Chicago, consider coming out to the Empty Bottle on Thursday night (9/8/2011) at 7 PM to hear the Spektral Quartet play an eclectic program including works by myself (“Dig Absolutely”), Lee Hyla, and Marcos Balter.