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Chrysanthemum Thoughts

“Chrysanthemum” (Composed by Reynold D. Philipsek, 2018 copyright)Guitars-reynoldKeyboards-Gregg Inhofer I wanted to write a piece that simulated the blooming of a flower. This was best achieved (I reckoned) by harmonies that would grow or “bloom.” The harmony does owe some to the influence of Wayne Shorter, who is a master at this sort of thing. It is a bit difficult […]

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December

“December”(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek) I did not grow up in a house where classical music was listened to. I came to that music on my own. My first exposure was to more modern composers like Ravel, Bartok, and Stravinsky. I then sort of worked myself backward in time. Along the way I discovered Chopin. Chopin resonated with

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Through Rose Colored Glasses

“Through Rose Colored Glasses”(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2015 copyright) For the past several years I have been attempting to expand my solo guitar repertoire. One of the things I wrote for this endeavor was this song “Through Rose Colored Glasses.” The main line of the piece is slightly reminiscent of Chopin’s riff from his “Barcarolle.” I also

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Silesian Mist

“Silesian Mist” (Composed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2018 copyright) Guitar and mandolin – reynold, Acoustic bass – Matt Senjem, Percussion- Michael Bissonnette My family’s roots are in Eastern Europe. My paternal origins are in Opole (Poland) in Upper Silesia. I tried to honor this heritage with this piece of music. The main theme is in 11/4 and serves as a

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Etude in E Major

“Etude in E Major”(composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2012 copyright) Vladimir Horowitz once said that it is not always the finger-twisting fireworks pieces that wow an audience that are difficult to perform and control but often it is the more concentrated things like a “Mozart Adagio.” I have heard similar anecdotes from other virtuoso performers. A few years

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Night and Day

This video is of Patty Peterson and me playing the Cole Porter song live in the KBEM studio. Kevin O’Connor of KBEM recorded on his phone. I have played with Patty’s brother Billy and her family, in general, is the a Twin Cities royal family of Jazz. link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGCZNRAB5KY

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