Randy Ingram - The Means of Response on CD

Description

With 'The Means of Response', pianist/composer Randy Ingram's intricate, virtuosic and powerful fourth record, the new father channels his concern over the terrifying racism, xenophobia and injustice that have come to define America today, and offers instead a message of solidarity and hope for his son. Inspired by Bertolt Brecht's notion that "art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it," Ingram uses the musical tools at his disposal to channel his feelings and to engage listeners, hopefully inspiring others to action. At a composer's residency at The MacDowell Colony following the devastating news of the 2016 election, Ingram began to find a "means of response" in his interaction with other artists, writers and musicians. He found music pouring out of him, leaving him with pieces, both finished and unfinished, that were raw and emotional. Upon learning the happy news that his wife was expecting a child a year later, Ingram began to consider what this new administration and its effect on the world might mean for his family's future. 'The Means of Response' re-unites Ingram with bassist Drew Gress; the two have performed together frequently following their acclaimed duo album 'The Wandering' (Sunnyside, 2017). Jochem Rueckert has been a first call drummer for the pianist and appears on his first two records, including 'Sky/Lift' (Sunnyside, 2014). The two complete the trio in a supportive and vibrant way, bringing Ingram's compositions to life. With 'The Means of Response', pianist/composer Randy Ingram's intricate, virtuosic and powerful fourth record, the new father channels his concern over the terrifying racism, xenophobia and injustice that have come to define America today, and offers instead a message of solidarity and hope for his son. Inspired by Bertolt Brecht's notion that "art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it," Ingram uses the musical tools at his disposal to channel his feelings and to engage listeners, hopefully inspiring others to action. At a composer's residency at The MacDowell Colony following the devastating news of the 2016 election, Ingram began to find a "means of response" in his interaction with other artists, writers and musicians. He found music pouring out of him, leaving him with pieces, both finished and unfinished, that were raw and emotional. Upon learning the happy news that his wife was expecting a child a year later, Ingram began to consider what this new administration and its effect on the world might mean for his family's future. 'The Means of Response' re-unites Ingram with bassist Drew Gress; the two have performed together frequently following their acclaimed duo album 'The Wandering' (Sunnyside, 2017). Jochem Rueckert has been a first call drummer for the pianist and appears on his first two records, including 'Sky/Lift' (Sunnyside, 2014). The two complete the trio in a supportive and vibrant way, bringing Ingram's compositions to life.