"Composer and pianist Linda Merrick presents a heartfelt tribute to the late John McCabe with her album "A Garland for John McCabe". Released on February 16, 2018, under the Divine Art label, this chamber music collection spans a captivating 79 minutes, featuring 18 tracks that showcase Merrick's virtuosity and emotional depth.
The album opens with "A Rag for McCabe", setting a lively tone that contrasts with the more somber pieces like "Exequy" and "Elegy for John McCabe", which serve as poignant homages to McCabe. Merrick's compositions range from the delicate and introspective, such as "Nocturnes & Dawn (Patterdale)" and "Memento", to the more dynamic and rhythmic, like "Danse des fourmis" and "Chaconne".
Each track is a testament to Merrick's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through her music. Her playing is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, making this album a standout in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Linda Merrick or new to her work, "A Garland for John McCabe" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2018 Divine Art2018 Divine Art
Tracks
A Rag for McCabePeter Dickinson, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
ExequyJohn Joubert, Alistair Vennart
John's FarewellEdward Gregson, John Turner, Peter Lawson
A Little Prelude for John McCabeRobert Saxton, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
Highland SongHoward Skempton, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart
Lament for the TurtledoveElis Pehkonen, Linda Merrick, Peter Lawson
And Will You Walk Beside Me Down the Lane?Robin Walker, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
In Memoriam John McCabeMalcolm Lipkin, Linda Merrick, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
Little PassacagliaWilliam Marshall, John Turner, Peter Lawson
Nocturnes & Dawn (Patterdale)Martin Ellerby, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
Elegy for John McCabeRob Keeley, Linda Merrick, Peter Lawson
Evening ChangesJames Francis Brown, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Peter Lawson
MementoGerhard Schumann, Peter Lawson
The Flame Has CeasedAnthony Gilbert, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
Danse des fourmisChristopher Gunning, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Peter Lawson
ChaconneDavid Matthews, Linda Merrick, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
In nomineRaymond Warren, John Turner, Peter Lawson
OutbackEmily Howard, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
EdradourGary Carpenter, Linda Merrick, John Turner, Alistair Vennart, Peter Lawson
Vinylscout