Album Notes

Interested in giving back to the community? Then buy this CD. It's a win-win situation: You won't be disappointed, and 100% of your purchase will directly support one of the most innovative music education programs in the state of Oregon. It's a small cost with some big results.

This debut album by Portland, Oregon’s Binnsmead Marimba combinines the intricacies of traditional Zimbabwean music with original compositions influenced by jazz, latin and classical music. "A Shadow’s Reflection" is a one-of-a-kind display of musicianship, community collaboration, and superior artistic product.

"A Shadow’s Reflection" features something for everyone, with traditional favorites like "Ekwanongoma" and "Skokiana" to move your feet. "Ride on the Reading," an original composition based on a theme by JS Bach, is brisk and cheerful, while modal works like "Zomba" and "Azure Gold" are evocative and contemplative. The album’s finale, Binnsmead Marimba’s own rendition of the United States’ "National Anthem," is a virtuosic display for the lead marimba; it shines over a non-western treatment of rhythm in the band, which takes full advantage of the instrument’s diatonic scale and percussive nature.

Surprisingly, the artists on this album range only from 11-15 years old, as students at Binnsmead Middle School in outer-southeast Portland. Binnsmead hosts this after-school performance program, which maintains two bands: one for advanced students, and one for intermediate students (tracks 3, 6, 8 and 12 only). In spite of its educational nature, however, "A Shadow’s Reflection" is a well-executed, respectable endeavor to earn a place among Portland’s premier marimba bands.

The album’s high-caliber presentation and uncompromised artistry is due to the fact that Binnsmead Marimba places a special emphasis on performance and professionalism. Frequently sought-after as a performing ensemble, Binnsmead Marimba has appeared at the Wonder Ballroom, the Crystal Ballroom, the Rose Garden Arena, as well as numerous community events and art openings. In the 2005-2006 academic year alone, the students in Binnsmead Marimba were able to reach over 16,000 members of their community through live performance.

"A Shadow’s Reflection" was made possible by a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

All proceeds from CD sales go directly toward funding this valuable educational experience for future Binnsmead Marimba groups.

To find out more about our school, our students, and what makes Binnsmead Marimba so special, and for a calendar of events, sound clips and a photo gallery, visit www.binnsmeadmarimba.org.