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Press Releases

Blue Griffin Recording releases Dancing in a Still Life

August 28, 2025 | By Ari Gayer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLUE GRIFFIN RECORDING RELEASES DANCING IN A STILL LIFE

A COLLECTION OF DUOS FOR BASS CLARINET

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP, MOVEMENT, AND MUSICAL

COLOR

LANSING, MI - On August 15, 2025, Blue Griffin Recording releases Dancing

in a Still Life [BGR699], the latest album from twice GRAMMY®-nominated

clarinetist/bass clarinetist Tasha Warren, joined by an extraordinary lineup of

collaborators: Amir Farid (piano), Guy Yehuda (clarinet), Dave Eggar (cello),

Phil Faconti (guitar), and legendary Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet). Recorded at

Blue Griffin’s studio The Ballroom in Lansing, MI, and at the Unity Center of

Pittsburgh, this 17-track album invites listeners into a vibrant world of dances,

each refracted through the unique textures of bass clarinet in duo settings. Warren describes the album as “a

celebration of friendship and collaboration,” drawing inspiration from a life lived in constant interplay between artistic

momentum and situational inertia. “The name of the album stems from the contradictions I have personally felt as a

mother, wife, and woman musician in a world swirling with movement… seemingly standing in place while moving

forward with richness, inspiration, gratitude, and love.”

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

- Patrick Harlin - Dance Suite for Bass Clarinet and Piano: Originally written for bassoon, this virtuosic

reimagining explores drama and sweeping range with pianist Amir Farid.

- Astor Piazzolla - Histoire du Tango: Arranged by Guy Yehuda for bass clarinet and clarinet, moving from

lively Buenos Aires bordellos to modern-day concert halls.

- Neal Endicott - Riding to School with Samuel Beckett: Four movements inspired by the legendary

playwright’s wit and philosophical musings, in duo with cellist Dave Eggar.

- Daniel Akiva - Dance Preludes: A five-movement suite dedicated to Warren, blending ritual,

Mediterranean melodies, and spiritual reflection with guitarist Phil Faconti.

- Paquito D’Rivera - Contradanza: A joyful, impromptu performance with D’Rivera himself, capturing the warmth

and humor of their friendship.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tasha Warren has premiered over 100 works worldwide and recorded for major labels. A Selmer-Paris Concert

Artist, she currently serves as Assistant Professor of Chamber Music at Michigan State University and is an active

performer with ensembles including the American Modern Ensemble, Lansing Symphony, and Jackson Symphony

Orchestra. Her collaborative spirit and advocacy for new music have led to performances and teaching engagements

across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Israel.

ABOUT THE GUEST ARTISTS

- Amir Farid - Award-winning pianist and Juilliard staff artist.

- Guy Yehuda - Internationally acclaimed clarinetist and MSU professor.

- Dave Eggar - Four-time GRAMMY® nominee, celebrated for his versatility from Carnegie Hall to

collaborations with Paul Simon and Norah Jones.

- Phil Faconti - Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated guitarist and sought-after producer.- Paquito D’Rivera - Winner of 16 GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Awards, a towering figure in jazz and

classical music.

ALBUM DETAILS

Label: Blue Griffin Recording

Catalog #: BGR699

Total Time: 1:11:02

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Producer/Engineer: Sergei Kvitko

Recorded at: The Ballroom, Lansing MI & Unity Center of Pittsburgh

Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/or8daj7

For more information, interviews, or review copies, please contact:

Ari Gayer: ari.gayer@bluegriffin.com

Website: www.bluegriffin.com

 

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