SALISH FOLK SONG (Effendi Records, 2013)

Becky Noble – alto saxophone/compositions
Chet Doxas – tenor saxophone
Nick Di Giovanni – guitar
Marie-Fatima Rudolf – piano and voice
Mike De Masi and Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (#3, 6, 9) – acoustic bass
Mark Nelson – drums

This recording represents the culmination of more than ten years of experimentation with the creation of melody and harmony. At the same time, it is also significant in marking the beginning of my return to music following years of other explorations, self-doubt (and discovery), and finally acceptance. In this vein, for me, it serves to unite past, present and future together in a particularly meaningful way. The great American saxophonist and composer, John Coltrane, once described purpose in a way that resonates especially loud for me today: “We should pray for and seek knowledge which would enable us to portray and project the things we love [in music].” It is my humble desire that in some small way, this album has realized such artistic purpose. – Becky Noble, February 2013

1) CATHEDRAL GROOVE
One of my earliest compositions. The title takes its cue from a famous old-growth forest located on Vancouver Island – a truly magical place to explore as a child.
2) SALISH FOLK SONG
My love for all kinds of folk music is evident in this song, which was inspired by the Indigenous art from Canada’s west coast.
3) GONE ASTRAY
This composition started as an earnest tribute to Billy Strayhorn, but developed into something completely different.
4) SUN SALUTATION
This piece drew inspiration from the introspective spirit of North Indian Classical Music, and the majestic spirit of the Andes. I chose the title – an obvious reference to the asana sequence in Hatha yoga – for the appropriate imagery it conjures up.
5) INTRO TO NATURE GIRL
6) NATURE GIRL
This song was written many years ago for the fantastic composer, Maria Schneider, after studying a particular harmonic voicing in one of her orchestrations. The title refers to the way in which her music evokes the beauty and vastness of the natural world.
7) MIRRORED IN THE TEARS / 8) WINDOWS OF HOPE
I wrote this two piece suite in Rwanda, as I attempted to come to terms with the country’s past and future.
9) THE BANANAFISH VARIATIONS
This song is based on the brilliant and haunting short story, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish,” by J.D. Salinger, originally published in a 1948 issue of The New Yorker.
10) NORWEGIAN WOOD (Lennon/McCartney)
A very loose interpretation of the classic from the Lennon/McCartney songbook, an endless source of inspiration for me over the years. This arrangement naturally lent itself to the chordless format I’ve always loved.

(listen to selected tracks from “Salish Folk Song” below – to buy a CD click HERE or download HERE)

SALISH FOLK SONG

GONE ASTRAY

WINDOWS OF HOPE