On his latest album of piano, reeds, and percussion, expat composer Robert Stillman probes the notion of American identity. What Does It Mean To Be American? is Stillman’s eighth studio album, and like the ones that came before it, it’s a beautifully rendered work, laced with pastoral jazz-inspired piano, cooing saxophone and clarinet melodies, and clattering percussion. But it’s threaded through with conflict, too. Aquarium Drunkard contributors Chad DePasquale and Jason P. Woodbury recently huddled together to share their thoughts on the album.
Category: Robert Stillman
Robert Stillman :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview
“There’s a part of me that feels like music is about form and experimentation and learning and working with materials, and then there’s another part of me that knows that music’s just got to be this intuitive, continuous sort of spirit work.”
Robert Stillman: Reality
While the one-man-band approach can so often result in antiseptic, too carefully controlled sounds, Robert Stillman’s Reality remains loose, imaginative, and even conversational. Stillman is having a dialogue with himself. It’s a lively one, and you are invited to listen in.
Robert Stillman :: Portals
Watch out for those late in the year surprises. Eclectic composer Robert Stillman sneaks in just under the 2017 wire with Portals, a new lp of Fender Rhodes improvisations. Recorded […]
Robert Stillman :: Rainbow
Expat composer Robert Stillman calls East Kent in the United Kingdom home these days, but there’s an undeniably American thread running through his new album, Rainbow, out now via Orindal Records . […]