The chamber ensemble Duo Sequenza, release their new album, Yes…It’s a Thing!, via Navona Records. This collection includes works by five critically acclaimed contemporary composers. David Noon is one of the most prolific composers in the U.S.; Jerry Owen’s numerous achievements include two Pulitzer Prize nominations; Jorge Muñiz has had his music performed by chamber ensembles, chorales and orchestras throughout the world; Marc Mellits is one of the leading American composers of his generation and one of the most performed and recorded living composers in the United States; and Amin Sharifi’s recent works have been performed in the United States, Europe, and his native Iran...

Yes…It’s A Thing! opens with David Noon’s 'Partita Op. 103' four-part movement which brings to mind Baroque dance forms, capturing their rustic charm and presenting them to a modern audience.

'Mesquanowat’', composed by Jerry Owen and named for the Mesquakie word for the red-tailed hawk, captures the spirit of both the majestic bird and the Mesquakie tribe.

Marc Mellits’s humbly named 'Two Pieces for Flute and Guitar' represent an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, sumptuous lyricism, and vibrant orchestrations that combine to communicate deeply with the listener.

'Duets Exhibition', by Amin Sharifi, is comprised of a set of short pieces designed to put listeners inside an experience in which all their other senses are engaged beyond mere listening.

And finally, Jorge Muñiz’s 'South Shore Suite', written as a metaphor for a journey on the South Shore Rail Line, draws upon diverse musical elements from the Midwest and Indiana vernacular: jazz, blues, country, R&B, and even rock.

The interesting thing about this release, which is also its plus or negative point depending on your point of view, is that it represents quite a diverse collection of styles. If you're not overly a fan of flute and classical guitar then you probably won't get much from this release, but those that enjoy a mix of traditional and modern style compositions will find plenty to sink their teeth into.

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Darren Rea