Wayne Horvitz's "Joe Hill: 16 Actions for Orchestra, Voices, and Soloist" is a captivating blend of avant-garde and free jazz, released in 2008 under New World Records. This ambitious project spans 16 tracks, totaling an immersive 77 minutes of music that weaves together the story of a man's life through a unique fusion of instrumental music, songs, and spoken word. Horvitz, known for his genre-defying work, draws from a rich tapestry of influences including Americana, jazz, blues, and classical elements reminiscent of Copland and Gershwin.
The album is a radio play in essence, with vocal parts crafted for folk-style voices that seamlessly integrate with Horvitz's distinctive sound. Each of the 16 actions, or tracks, offers a different perspective and narrative, from the powerful "Power in the Union" to the reflective "The Land as a Stranger" and the haunting "How to Die." The composition "Action 7: Spike Driver Blues" stands out as a highlight, showcasing Horvitz's ability to blend traditional folk themes with modern jazz sensibilities.
"Joe Hill: 16 Actions for Orchestra, Voices, and Soloist" is not just an album; it's a journey through sound and story, where each track contributes to a larger, cohesive narrative. Wayne Horvitz's mastery of genre-blending and his ability to create a compelling, multi-layered experience make this a standout work in his discography. Whether you're a fan of jazz, classical, or experimental music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(C) 2008 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc.
Tracks
Action 1: Power in the UnionWayne Horvitz, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 2: One Day - One HourWayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Bill Frisell, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 3: Worthy of his FoodWayne Horvitz, Northwest Sinfonia, Robin Holcomb, Rinde Eckert, Danny Barnes, Bill Frisell, Christian Knapp
Action 4: Jerusalem, JerusalemWayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 5: It's a LieWayne Horvitz, Rinde Eckert, Bill Frisell, Danny Barnes, Robin Holcomb, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 6: On Another ShoreWayne Horvitz, Rinde Eckert, Danny Barnes, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 7: Spike Driver's BluesWayne Horvitz, Rinde Eckert, Robin Holcomb, Bill Frisell, Danny Barnes, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 8: The Land as a StrangerWayne Horvitz, Rinde Eckert, Danny Barnes, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 9: Lumberjack's PrayerWayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Bill Frisell, Rinde Eckert, Danny Barnes, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 10: To Have This HourWayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Rinde Eckert, Danny Barnes, Bill Frisell, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 11: Hard Time in the CountryWayne Horvitz, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 12: I Never DiedWayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 13: Nameless, FacelessWayne Horvitz, Danny Barnes, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Rinde Eckert, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 14: Bound to Wake UpWayne Horvitz, Rinde Eckert, Robin Holcomb, Bill Frisell, Danny Barnes, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 15: How to DieWayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Rinde Eckert, Robin Holcomb, Danny Barnes, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
Action 16: Where Flowers GrowWayne Horvitz, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Danny Barnes, Rinde Eckert, Christian Knapp, Northwest Sinfonia
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