Intrinsic Versatility
Group Name Miles Osland, woodwinds; University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble
Conductor Mike Olson; Johan de Meij
Event University of Kentucky
Album ID - 50209-MCD

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Track TITLE Composer/Arranger
1 Rhapsody Nova Fischer, Clare
2 Syrinx Debussy, Claude
3 Collaboracao Mower, Mike
4 Conglomerate Mower, Mike
5 Eight Pieces: Gemachlich, leicht beweg Hindemith, Paul
6 Eight Pieces: Scherzando Hindemith, Paul
7 Eight Pieces: Sehr langsam, frei im Zeitmass Hindemith, Paul
8 Eight Pieces: Gemachlich Hindemith, Paul
9 Eight Pieces: Sehr lebhaft Hindemith, Paul
10 Eight Pieces: Lied, leicht bewegt Hindemith, Paul
11 Eight Pieces: Rezitativ Hindemith, Paul
12 Eight Pieces: Finale Hindemith, Paul
13 Finding Fossils Ã…strand, Anders
14 Three Pieces: Sempre piano e molto tranquillo Stravinsky, Igor
15 Three Pieces: MM = 168 Stravinsky, Igor
16 Three Pieces: MM = 160 Stravinsky, Igor
17 This Ain`t Your Grandfather`s Stinkin` Rondo Burnette, Sonny
18 Escapades for Alto Saxophone: Catch Me If You Can Williams, John
19 Escapades for Alto Saxophone: The Float Williams, John
20 Escapades for Alto Saxophone: Recollections (The Father`s Theme) Williams, John

ALBUM NOTES
Miles Osland is best known as a superb jazz alto and soprano-saxophonist who is the Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at the University of Kentucky. After recording a string of stimulating post bop albums, his Intrinsic Versatility CD is a major change of pace. An innovative mixture of jazz and classical music, Intrinsic Versatility features Osland in the spotlight throughout as the soloist on nine different wind instruments during a program that has quite a variety of music.

When Third Stream music appeared on the scene in the 1950s, it usually featured jazz and classical musicians alternating with each other in an attempt to create a new type of music. Miles Osland goes much further, for on Intrinsic Versatility he shows that he is equally comfortable playing both jazz and classical. He is featured on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, piccolo, the C, alto and bass flutes and clarinet. 13 of the 20 selections showcase Osland as an unaccompanied soloist while other performances match him in a trio with pianist Raleigh Dailey and trumpeter Vince DiMartino, or with the University Of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band or the 17- piece University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble.

Imagine a set list that ranges from Clare Fischer ("Rhapsody Nova") and Debussy ("Syrinx") to Hindemith ("Eight Pieces"), Stravinsky ("Three Pieces") and John Williams (the three-part "Escapades"). There is a great deal of variety not only in source material and instrumentation but also in mood variations. To name a few highlights, "Rhapsody Nova," which has Osland featured in different spots on flute, clarinet and alto, is particularly dramatic. The trio displays plenty of virtuosity on the jazz-oriented "Collaboracao" and "Conglomerate." Anders Astrand's "Finding Fossils" is cinematic and matches Osland's flute with the tuned instruments of the percussion ensemble. On "Stinkin' Rondo," Osland forms a full saxophone section by himself, taking several notable solos.

Intrinsic Versatility is the latest accomplishment in a career full of milestones. Miles Osland earned a Masters in Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. He has led over 15 albums through the years including three by the Osland Saxophone Quartet. He has composed and arranged quite a bit of music (available through Walrus Music). As an educator, in addition to his influential work at the University of Kentucky, Osland has authored six books (published by Dorn and Alfred Publications) and written over 75 published articles and reviews.

But even with all of the other activity, it is clear from listening to Intrinsic Versatility that Miles Osland is very much at his musical prime, creating a blend of jazz and classical music that is colorful, memorable and unique.