Saas Fee in Appalachia - Paolo Knill, piano and Harold McKinney, trombone

Paolo Knill, piano. Harold McKinney, trombone.
This collaboration has many roots. The idea for this CD came from the sparks that were ignited when Paolo Knill and Harold McKinney were improvising on piano and trombone early each morning in Saas Fee, Switzerland, at the European Graduate School. Their chemistry was palatable - one would lead, the other would surprise, the next moment they would be in sync, a moment later, one would begin a variation, the other would catch it immediately and add to it. It was my good fortune to witness this magic as a dancer, day after day, and being in their presence inspired me immensely. They created energy between them, and this fragile, combustible energy allowed us to open and find our higher selves. Together, we all created a place of readiness and possibility. It was in this spirit that I suggested that Harold and Paolo should create a CD.
Another root this collaboration is in the wisdom of Sally Atkins. She is the one who originally had the vision that Appalachian should have an Expressive Arts Collective, and that Harold McKinney, Liz Rose, Marianne Adams, Cathy McKinney, Jay Wentworth, and Joan Woodworth should all be part of it. Together, Sally and Paolo were instrumental in bringing Harold and Marianne as guest artists to Saas Fee in 2003. With much gratitude to the University Research Council for grant funding for the original collaborative, to the the Hubbard Center for funding for the CD recording, and to the Hayes School of Music for recording facilities. -Marianne Adams
1) 0'00": Saas Fee in Appalachia
2) 12'06": "16 by 3", Passacaglia and Take Fifteen
3) 29'55": Breath is the First Prayer (poem by Sally Atkins)
4) 38'04": Come to a Fork? Take it!
5) 45'15": Winter Song (on a melody by Gustav Holst)
6) 49'21": Advent
7) 55'46": Old Men's Posaunova
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