Album Notes

Recorded in June, 2009, “Sounds From Tiny Earth” is a collection of music by Portland-based guitarist Darren Klein. It is the first album recorded by Klein, and the title is meant to convey a sense of humility and simple satisfaction; Earth is but a fraction of a speck floating through unfathomable void, and the composer seeks to create unique sounds and follow new thoughts, in honor of his tiny corner of the universe.
The music on “Sounds From Tiny Earth” was written over a two year period, and reflects a wide variety of Darren’s influences and values. With and overall aesthetic that could be called “contemporary jazz”, the music draws on the sounds of rock, folk, and world music, as well as the work of other current jazz composers. The melodies and chord progressions are interesting and atypical, yet are strong and familiar sounding.
The band features a group of young up-and-coming Portland musicians; drummer Russ Kleiner, tenor saxophonist Elysia Strauss, Noah Bernstein on alto and soprano saxophones, bassist Patrick Harry, and pianist Akila Fields.