Ravello Records presents Soprano Summit from saxophonist Paul Cohen. In this, his latest release, Cohen presents an album of music for the soprano saxophone in chamber and solo settings. The range and diversity of the soprano saxophone is impressive, from Cohen’s arrangement of Percy Grainger’s 'Arrival Platform Humlet' (solo soprano saxophone) to Amanda Harberg’s first piece for saxophone, 'Feathers and Sax', (soprano saxophone and piano) and Jeff Scott’s new work 'The Gift of Life' (piccolo, soprano/alto saxophone and piano). Soprano Summit is both a celebration of the soprano saxophone as a concert instrument and a revelation of new, lost, revived, and beloved works...

For lovers of the saxophone Paul Cohen's Soprano Summit is pretty much a handbook that shows off the intricacy and range of the instrument. The pieces have carefully been chosen to illustrate off the many strengths of the instrument, while showcasing a challenging repertoire for any performer.

At times it treads a fine line between traditional compositions and avant-garde works... but it always stays the right side of this balancing act, ensuring that all the pieces are melodic and heartfelt. The end result is a wonderfully rewarding and emotionally rich collection of works that are easy to fall in love with.

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Darren Rea