Harry Skoler

Bio:

1. Leaves of Autumn  7:30
2. Two as One  5:25
3. Alpine Sunset  4:43
4. Joyful Sorrow  6:41
5. Giorgio's Theme  7:46
6. Piazzolla  4:49
7. Silent Serenity  5:44

1. Dad's Clarinet*  4:17
2. Song for Jessy*  5:21
3. Life's Dreams  2:30
4. Two Onederful*  4:41
5. Jenna's Voice*  4:42
6. Joyful Sorrow  2:40
7. Don't Say Words*  3:39
8. Hope  2:52

Original jazz compositions featuring intimate portraits expressed through quintet and duo settings. The quintet's unique sound highlights the blend of clarinet, flute, and vibes/piano.

• Harry Skoler — Clarinet
• Ed Saindon — Vibraphone and Piano
• Matt Marvuglio — Flute
• Barry Smith — Bass
• Bob Tamagni — Drums

All tracks composed by Ed Saindon and published by Ed Saindon Music, except noted by *
which are composed by Harry Skoler/Ed Saindon and published by Harry Skoler Music.
All tracks BMI.

"It’s nice when a little charmer like this sneaks up and pulls on your coat. The unusual front line, the casual nature of the tunes, the inspired notion of balancing the full-group tracks with the duo setting ... it all adds up to a minor jewel. If it gets noticed, Skoler should get busy with a follow-up." Jim Macnie, DownBeat

"An educator that has a lot of real world experience but still makes jazz for sitting down checks in with his 4th set as a leader with material that falls to the right of an ECM set but isn’t stuck in an arts gratia artis groove. Light and easy but not lite, the music is expressive while not hitting you over the head. Nice listening date jazz that quietly does its thing in just the right measure throughout." Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher: Midwest Record

"...wonderfully lyrical CD.” Chris Sheridan, Jazz Discographer, UK

"We inserted this CD into our player expecting to hear either Dixie or big band music featuring Harry on clarinet. Harry is spotlighted on center stage but he is playing more inspirational ballads like "Dad's Clarinet" and "Song For Jessy". The music is very pleasant and relaxing especially "Two As One" featuring Ed Saindon (vibes) and Matt Marvuglio (fl). Saindon (p) also shines on "Joyful Sorrow". Barry Smith (b) and Bob Tamagni (d) round out the quintet as they glide through fifteen selections. Ed Saindon composed the music alone or with Skoler." D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place

"You don’t hear too much music with clarinet in the forefront and I always appreciate the smooth, lyrical tones you get from a really good player like Skoler. The production and recording values are beautiful and transparent. The level of technique is so good, you don’t know it’s there." Jeremiah Sutherland, BullFrogMusic

"Outstanding jazz clarinetist Harry Skoler's fourth recording as a leader is a collaboration with artist Ed Saindon (vibraphone and piano). They are featured in duo and quintet settings. Skoler and Saindon teach at Berklee College of Music, and each have authored numerous articles including a Down Beat article authored by the clarinetist. Ed Saindon has recorded with renowned jazz players Kenny Werner and Dave Liebman. Skoler and Saindon have collaborated on numerous recordings. For this CD, Saindon composed nine pieces, and five were co-written. Of particular interest on the recording is Leaves of Autumn, which is harmonically based on the standard Autumn Leaves. The playing is very musical and likeable. The quintet, featuring clarinet, flute, vibraphone and piano, blend to give the music a mood that is special and the duo tracks are filled with emotion." Rudolf Radnai - Editor; Record Reviews

"We reviewed Skoler's superb clarinet work way back in issue 29 ... Ed's vibes create a really mellow atmosphere through all 14 original compositions on this album, with a really strong jazz flavor. The rest of the quintet are featured on the first 7 tracks, then after cut 8, it switches to purely duo action (piano/clarinet) ... my favorite song was 7, "Silent Serenity", which is (actually) far from silent... yes, it's serene & mellow, but full of the vibrant spirit of life & the living thereof... Matt Marvuglio played flute on that track, & it's some of the most soulful wind I've ever heard blown - he literally paints sonic landscapes for your aural pleasure! I'm highly impressed with "Two Ones", & declare it MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for jazz listeners of all persuasions." Rotcod Zzaj; Improvijazzation Nation

"...(Saindon and Skoler) can finish each other's sentences, anticipate where the conversation is going and get there quickly. But, perhaps more important ... they do not fear the inevitable silences, which allow the sparse arrangements room to breathe, invisibly underlining the quiet serenity of beautifully enunciated phrases almost whispered in the listener's ear. The songs are lovely, lyrical and hopeful. The interplay between the two musicians is a well-understood, intricate dance." J. C. Lockwood, http://beyondthemerrimack.blogspot.com

"The music is sweet, original, superbly performed and fluidly executed. With its flawless technical production values, this "Two Ones" is enthusiastically recommended to the attention of all jazz enthusiasts..." James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief; Library Bookwatch

Review of track 'Piazzolla' - "Part of a sensitive, often poignant collection of ensemble and duo work featuring the all-too-often-ignored clarinet, this number could be the soundtrack for broken dreams. Without resorting to athletic displays of musical calisthenics, Harry Skoler uses his rich timbre to great effect, summoning bittersweet memories of intimate encounters from long ago. “Piazzolla” is more about the veneration than the virtuosity, as the individuals lose themselves in an evocative group improvisation. Following Ed Saindon’s somber piano intro, the ensemble falls into a dusky tango with an intense broodiness suggesting the suppressed passion of tangoists in a clandestine embrace. Frequently the soloists seem to be carrying on a dialogue, but they never trip over each other’s phrasing, demonstrating a disciplined freedom and mutual respect. Both the composition and the polished musicianship on this piece do sufficient justice to the legacy of Astor Piazzolla, Argentine’s innovative bandoneon player and composer. Hold your partner close for this dance." Bill Barnes, jazz.com

"The tunes here are very impressionistic, almost like mini tone poems, reduced down to the minimum instrumentation required. They certainly shun the usual exhortations of much overwrought modern jazz music, and concentrate on melody and poignancy. This is very emotional music and it will probably create mind pictures of a pastoral nature when you listen to it ... it leaves you in a state of the blues that echoes in your head for many hours after." John M. Peters - http://www.the-borderland.co.uk

"Clarinet fans will want to pick up a copy (or two) of Harry Skoler's "Two Ones." The Berklee associate professor and Jimmy Giuffre-protege is again paired with his Berklee colleague, professor, pianist and vibraphonist Ed Saindon on his fourth recording as a leader. On the first half of the recording, these two virtuosos are backed by tasteful bass, drum and flute players connected with the school, while the second half consists of duets. All of the songs are originals penned by either Saindon, or a combination of Skoler and Saindon and veer toward a more traditional approach, yet with a fresh feel. The results are pure magic, with exceptional give and take between two men who are very familiar with each other's styles and willing to complement one another. Saindon is truly wonderful both on piano as well as utilizing his four-mallet pianistic approach on vibes. Skoler meanwhile combines a clear, rich, attractive tone with a romantic melancholic longing. Hard to pick highlights because everything here is so solid, and as good as the quintet work is, it is a compliment that the duet half seems just as strong and enjoyable." Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net

"The clarinet always has been cursed by players who make it squeak. The skills of ... Harry Skoler keep that from happening ... his playing is so good that isn't a problem. Skoler plays beautiful clarinet that sings through pieces that are in a type of jazz-sonata-form in their construction ... the playing is of such a high quality..." Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

“Two Ones” is the return to the recording world of clarinetist Harry Skoler, after more than a decade of silence. Skoler previously released three discs (“Conversations in the Language of Jazz” - 1995, “Reflections on the Art of Swing, A Tribute to Benny Goodman” - 1996, and “A Work of Heart” - 1999) that were very well received by critics as well as by the public. Throughout this time of recording inactivity Skoler has been dedicated ... on the one hand, to education at the renown Berklee College of Music in Boston, and on the other, dedicating himself to his family. Some might say this evidences clarity of values. In his return to the world of recordings, he has done so accompanied by a quintet of good friends that are also wonderful musicians (which need not necessarily go together) among which we must emphasize the great vibraphonist Ed Saindon. All the members of the band are professors at Berklee College of Music. The title of the disc “Two Ones” (close to the title of the track "Two As One"), gives the clue as to where this excellent disc goes. This excellent disc contains two discs in one; the seven first tracks are performed by the quintet, whereas the following eight tracks are duets between Skoler and Saindon, two men who have collaborated together many years and that are known very well. Ed Saindon plays both vibraphone and piano equally well. The title of the recording is a metaphor both on the individuality inherent as well as the teamwork. The fifteen tracks, all original compositions, are beautiful. The track “Alpine Sunset” distinguishes itself with a groove that propels. This disc is an album to enjoy tranquility and peace." Jose Manuel Perez King, www.distritojazz.com

"Harry Skoler has a beautiful clarinet sound, technique to spare and a host of ideas, which make his playing a joy to listen to. His partner in both composition and performance, Ed Saindon, is an equally skilled musician, who plays both piano and vibes with great excellence. There is an obvious rapport between them. They obviously play together regularly and it is from this kind of association that they develop this ability to understand one another, in terms of what comes next on the improvised solos. The playing of flautist Matt Marvuglio, bass player Barry Smith and drummer Bob Tamagni also contributes to the enjoyment on part one of the record; the second part consists of just piano and clarinet. The blend of flute and clarinet on part one is a sound not to be missed: it is just beautiful to hear. For part two, the duo part to the album, the mood changes to something more wistful than the Quintet offering. It is however equally enjoyable and both players perform with great sensitivity and feel towards the music. Harry Skoler's clarinet sound is even more noticeable in this smaller group setting; he really is a master of the instrument in every sense of the word. This is a record to put on your CD player and just let the music wash over you. It is interesting enough to command your constant attention, but relaxed enough to enable you to just sit in comfort, listen and enjoy!" Don Mather, www.musicweb-international.com

"Two Ones - the title of clarinetist Harry Skoler's fourth CD—clearly alludes to the musical rapport between Skoler and vibraphonist/pianist Ed Saindon, in addition to referencing the way the album is divided into quintet and duo recordings. Skoler and Saindon have been working together for more than fifteen years and have developed a deep musical connection during that time. This album is a faculty-friend affair, with all five musicians on this date being faculty members at the Berklee College of Music, and Skoler couldn't have asked for more sympathetic musical colleagues to flesh out his mellow musical concepts here. The first seven tracks feature the quintet and while similar traits are found in all of these pieces, enough little differences help to distinguish many of the performances. The first two quintet tracks, "Leaves of Autumn" and "Two As One," establish the tranquil mood of the album with a warm blend of Skoler's clarinet, Saindon's vibes, and Matt Marvuglio's flute. "Alpine Sunset," an elegant waltz with Saindon on piano, features a bit more energy from everybody involved; both Marvuglio and Skoler deliver the goods on their respective solos. "Giorgio's Theme," the only tune with some shades of Brazil, benefits from drummer Bob Tamagni's grooves and bassist Barry Smith's stability and malleability. "Piazzolla" captures the spirit, mood and swaying vibe that its namesake created in his "New Tango" compositions and features some sensitive piano work from Saindon. "Silent Serenity" shows these musicians to be very flexible as they play with the tempo and demonstrate a keen rhythmic sense... The warm, pleasing sound of "Jenna's Voice" helps to make this a standout track and "Joyful Sorrow" which receives a quintet and a duo reading on the album, is exceptional. While the quintet version opens things up a bit, the duo interpretation distills the melodic essence of the song into a tender and beautiful two minutes and forty seconds of music." Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

Link to Liner Notes

Downbeat Magazine (April 2010 edition, now being sold) has an article penned by Frank-John Hadley titled "My Favorite Big Band Album" - 25 Essential Recordings. It features the 25 top big band recordings as picked by many musicians (some notables include Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, Ken Peplowski, Paquito D'Riviera, Carla Bley, Dave Liebman) ...For the 25th recording, Charles Mingus' "Let My Children Hear Music", my own opinion is included on page 45. My mini-review is the following: "Mingus himself referred to this recording as the best in his life. Certainly, this album held me with intrigue upon my first listening. Every part of this treasure is absolutely remarkable.The writing, soloing and expression presented in this album is so commanding and rich that it creates a category of its own." - Harry Skoler

RADIO AIRPLAY NEWS for TWO ONES

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 - TWO ONES Debuts at Number 41 on JazzWeek's TOP 50 Jazz Chart! Also is Number 3 on JazzWeek's "Increased Airplay".

SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 - NPR's Morning Edition plays 2 tracks from TWO ONES (Dad's Clarinet and Piazzolla) for music interludes between news stories.

JULY 23, 2009 - TWO ONES Debuts at Number 27 on Roots Music Reports' TOP 50 Jazz Chart!

JULY 20, 2009 - TWO ONES ON THE RISE as it moves up JazzWeek's "CHARTBOUND" at Number 6.

JULY 13, 2009 - TWO ONES moves up on JazzWeek's "CHARTBOUND" at Number 9.

JULY 1, 2009 - TWO ONES appears on JazzWeek's "CHARTBOUND" at Number 12.

JUNE 1, 2009 - TWO ONES Tied for Number 4 in MOST ADDED Category on JazzWeek Jazz Chart (This indicates the recordings that have the most number of stations that add newly released recordings to their playlists; there are only 5 slots open in this category) PLUS two tracks from Two Ones (Hope and Piazzolla) were featured as music interludes between news stories May 20 on NPR's Morning Edition which has the largest radio audience in the USA (13 Million listeners)!

Jazz clarinetist Harry Skoler was born in Syracuse, NY in 1956. Harry is Associate Professor of Woodwinds at Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee in 1978, and a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory in 1986, where he studied with legendary jazz great Jimmy Giuffre. His recordings include Conversations in the Language of Jazz, Reflections on the Art of Swing - A Tribute to Benny Goodman (both recordings featuring Ed Saindon/Vibraphone, Roger Kimball/Bass and Tim Gilmore/Drums), A Work of Heart (featuring Donn Trenner/Piano, Garrison Fewell/Guitar, Joe Lano/Guitar, Roger Kimball/Bass, Tim Gilmore/Drums, and many other contributing artists) on Brownstone Recordings, and Two Ones on Soliloquy Records.

He has authored articles on jazz education, including a "Pro-Workshop" article in Downbeat magazine, and has been included with a biography and philosophy of artistry in Gianluca Campagnolo's Volume 10 method book for clarinet, which features bios and tips from many of today's prominent clarinetists. In 2008, he wrote a review that was featured on the cover of JAZZ & BLUES MUSICIANS OF SOUTH CAROLINA by Benjamin Franklin V and published by The University of South Carolina Press.

In 2005 Harry contributed to a clarinet method book by Vandoren and published by Carl Fischer entitled The Vandoren Etude & Exercise Book for Clarinet - The Secrets of Ten Master Clarinetists.

In 2007, he contributed to another book by Vandoren and published by Carl Fischer entitled The Vandojazz Etude and Exercise Book for Saxophone - The Secrets of Ten Master Saxophonists.

He has garnered numerous national and international reviews, including reviews in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz magazines among others. Cover features include Strictly Jazz, Jazz Quarterly, Northeast Performer, Jazz Now magazines and bio/reviews in AMG's All Music Guide to Jazz book.

He has been "charted" for national radio airplay on Gavin Magazine's Jazz Chart, and in April 2000, he charted at 8 on Jazziz Magazine's Top 40 "Radioactive" chart. Performances include national jazz clubs and festivals, including the Blue Note in NYC, and tours in Costa Rica, Japan and Norway.

In addition to touring with his group, Harry reaches thousands of young people each year with the educational ensemble "Adventures With Jazz” featuring Mark Retallack/Keyboard, Roger Kimball/Bass and Tim Gilmore/Drums. The website is www.adventureswithjazz.com

Harry has been featured on many national radio interviews including NPR, on the nationally televised BET program "Jazz Discovery," and internationally on Norway's "Good Morning Norway" with a viewer audience of 700,000.

Endorsements include Boosey & Hawkes/Buffet Clarinets, Vandoren Reeds, Mouthpieces, and Accessories, and Applied Microphone Technology, Inc.

For detailed information, including reviews, photos and liner notes for CDs, soundclips, endorsements/links, interview, article published in DOWNBEAT Magazine, news, links to related web sites, purchasing recordings and contact information (Publicist, etc.) Harry's web page is www.harryskoler.com

Harry

Harry resides in Haverhill, MA with his wife Joanne, and children Daniel, Amelia, and Gianna.

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