The music is a mix of Falzone's original compositions and collective improvisations inspired by Arabic musical forms such as the Longa and Muwashah, the work of Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem and the cross-cultural significance of the lament in music and literature from around the world.
The music is mostly swinging and features a large number of cover tunes mixed with Sean's distinctive compositions. Overall it's a sunny swinging CD with familiar sounds and tradition mixed with new ideas.
Recorded at EMPAC (Troy, NY) in the summer of 2010, each piece on "Tone Builders" is the result of close work with seven of the most vital voices in contemporary music today. Includes pieces by Aaron Einbond, David Franzson, Mei-Fang Lin, Sam Pluta, Alex Mincek, Kate Soper, and Eric Wubbels
"[They] take totally serious music and make it fun...
the sense of groove and joy is overpowering."
–Mark Saleski, somethingelsereviews
"...a warmth and good humor that makes the music immediately
accessible...fabulous musicians, performing terrific music with great creative skill."
–Bruce Lindsay, allaboutjazz.com
Sirius Quartet's second album, featuring compositions by violinists Gregor Huebner and Fung Chern Hwei, former cellist, Mike Block, special guests Rubin Kodheli and Dave Taylor, and introducing current cellist, Jeremy Harman.
