Honoring Women Composers
“Inspired by Women Composers” AWARD-winning CD
The CD of my 4 original compositions (see descriptions below) performed by the Ann Reynolds Trio (Ann Reynolds-piano, Kelsey Mines-bass, Christopher Icasiano-drums) has received a GOLDEN EAR AWARD for Best NW Jazz Recording 2021 from Earshot Jazz. A wonderful honor.
“your music! so expressively rich, balanced, adventurous” Ken Benshoof, composer
The best way (how I will receive the most compensation) to get a copy is to send me an email through this website making your request and we can work out the details.
Read a review of the recording “Inspired by Women Composers” here.
Listen to Mood Mary Lou
Listen to The Earth Burns
Listen to Delightful Wackiness
Listen to A Sliver of the Moon
We all have influences…
Many of the musicians who influenced me are women composers. There are times when a piece arises spontaneously, and I think wow, that reminds me of that woman’s style. I have composed 4 pieces that were influenced by my exposure over the years to certain women composers. The intent was not to copy elements of their composition but to capture an essence that I feel. Because women composers are not as often recognized as male composers, I decided to gather these pieces as homage to these wonderful composers and in my small way, introduce them to new audiences.
The 4 compositions (in no particular order)
Delightful Wackiness
For Carla Bley. I find Carla Bley’s music to be wonderfully slightly off-center, with an edge of humor.
For an example of Carla Bley’s writing and playing see the video of her playing “Lawns”
See more about Carla
The Earth Burns
For Geri Allen. Geri Allen had an amazing intensity in her playing and in her ensemble work. This piece was developed by me during the fires in Australia in 2019 and has further evolved with the West Coast fires of 2020. Intense.
For an example of Geri Allen’s playing and composition see Esperanza Spaulding, Teri Lynne Carrington and Geri play her composition “Unconditional Love”.
See more about Geri.
Mood MaryLou
For MaryLou Williams. Many of MaryLou’s pieces are blues and often you find some interesting stretch in the blues form in her compositions. There is a little stretch in this piece
You can hear Mary Lou playing a wonderful solo blues.
See more about Mary Lou.
A Sliver of the Moon
For Christine Jensen. Christine writes some fascinating compelling pieces, often based on nature, that have a great catch to them. I hope I have captured some of that sense.
You can hear one of her wonderful pieces, Seafever, performed by a big band.
See more about Christine.
More resources and information about each composer are found at
Mary Lou Williams
Geri Allen
Carla Bley
Christine Jensen