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What happens when a composer with a keen sense of melody creates music with an unconventional tonal system? Keyboardist and composer Doug Wilde has a long history of creating memorable and unique music, often seamlessly incorporating complex harmonic and rhythmic material. Music created for his new recording, “The Sixth Dimension,” goes one step further, using six-note scales—also known as hexachords. A different six-note scale was selected for each of the ten pieces on the recording. Except for the improvised solos, no other harmonic material was used. The result is music that is melodic, mysterious, beautiful and utterly unique.
After a long hiatus, vocalist Lisa Rich is releasing her newest album, “Long as You’re Living,” a collection primarily of standards that reflect many of the trials, tribulations and life lessons she has experienced over the years. Ms. Rich had a burgeoning career in the 1980s until she was sidelined with a debilitating illness. But with determination and the help and encouragement of her dear friend, the late Jay Clayton, she was able to find her voice again and return to the recording studio.
Also this week, “Only the Horizon” is the star-studded new album from renowned saxophonist, composer and arranger Jeff Coffin which blends traditional African rhythms into his contemporary charts; pianist Bob Boguslaw honors many of the brilliant jazz pianists who inspired him as a young musician with “Tributes”; and legendary Eastern Iowa blues guitarist and songwriter Craig Erickson unveils a new contemporary jazz album, “Dream Tracks.”