Multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger, Terri England, produces original music characterized by a unique combination of cool Brazilian and Latin rhythms, jazz highlights and classical orchestral arrangements, all blended with a 'secret sauce' that's all her own. A native of South Texas, England was born to a family of musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. At six years of age she took an interest in playing guitar that would never wane, while also receiving extensive classical training on piano and cello. During formal education her immersion in both art and music proved to be valuable experiences strongly influencing her later development as an independent artist. In particular, her orchestral activities would teach her to create dynamic, musical arrangements that take the listener on a stimulating sonic journey.
England's debut CD, TONES OF THE TROPiCS, is availale now for $15.00 at her website: TERRIENGLAND.COM. The album is a mix of high energy tunes, including Vera’s Cruise, Dance of the Fireflies and the title cut, Tones of the Tropics, contrasted by mellower tracks like Spring, Lil’ Ray of Bossa and Moonlit Mood. TONES OF THE TROPiCS is a‘feel good’ collection of ten instrumental tunes that both energize and soothe the listener. England’s melodies are backed by samba, bossa nova and batucada rhythms from Brazil and booty-shakin’ Latin beats. Using a Brazilian guitar fingerstyle technique, England conveys a refreshing economy of expression that allows her music to ‘breathe’ while flowing above rich harmonies and tight, syncopated rhythms she creates using a blend of bass, drums and percussion, as well as unexpected tempo changes on a few tunes. TONES OF THE TROPiCS is a unique mix of melodic cool jazz tunes presented within a dynamic, rhythmic context. England’s music flows from the heart, influenced by so many wonderful Brazilian and Latin artists, including Flora Purim and Airto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Tania Maria, Oscar Castro-Neves, Romero Lubambo, Sergio Mendes, Bossacucanova, Jose Neto, Dori Caymmi, Joyce, Roberto Perera, Nestor Torres, and American artist Lee Ritenour. England records and mixes in her own studio, leaving the job of mastering to the capable hands and ears of Michael Dominici at Music House Mastering in New York. Her productions are released through her own publishing company, Inglaterra Música (ASCAP).
Guitarist Terri England is shy. She begins her multi-instrumentalist album,
“TONES OF THE TROPiCS”, by laying off of the guitar - the main instrument that leads every track of the album except the first,
“Vera's Cruise”. Instead, the guitar is heard far behind Brazilian percussion in favor of the lead synthesized flute. Not that we're complaining - just noticing the unobtrusive nature of England's music and record. When the guitar makes its appearance it is with the melodic line in track 2,
“Spring”. The guitar is subtle, important, and understated - and the hollow tone of the nylon string guitar provides character to the apt guitar technique
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Guitarist
Terri England is shy. She begins her multi-instrumentalist album,
“TONES OF THE TROPiCS”, by laying off of the guitar - the main instrument that leads every track of the album except the first,
“Vera's Cruise”. Instead, the guitar is heard far behind Brazilian percussion in favor of the lead synthesized flute. Not that we're complaining - just noticing the unobtrusive nature of England's music and record. When the guitar makes its appearance it is with the melodic line in track 2,
“Spring”. The guitar is subtle, important, and understated - and the hollow tone of the nylon string guitar provides character to the apt guitar technique. There is an acceleration of guitar presence occurring, and it continues to build with the third track,
“Setembro Sunrise”. This time the instrumental has Latin guitar rhythm in the left channel while jazz guitar ala Howard Roberts populates the melody within its own frequency space. One of the most appealing aspects of England's music is not just that she performs all of it, but that the guitar tones and timbres run the gamut - nearly a lesson in what a tonal treat and mélange of guitars can be stirred into a record's ingredients. As the warm-up continues to grow into more aggressive pieces, track 4,
“Moonlit Mood”, continues in the vein with ambitious chordal repaginated creations in the break. It is here that we begin hearing England's level of fine technique. The composition is fairly straight-ahead, yet England takes liberties with rhythm and syncopation that make the track interesting. The guitar climax comes in the softer unobtrusive cut (track 7),
“Just Before Sunset”, as the shy heroine of the six-string comes out of the shell of obscurity and performs a guitar solo piece. The touch and beauty have been hinted at during previous tracks and now appears in full. This album is a lesson in the intentional pacing that will always be an art form in the order of song choice within an album. Indeed, it is the very difference between a musical journey and short abrupt trips. England's intent here is clearly on the journey, and she takes the listener on a relaxing enjoyable day of guitar and instrumental music that takes a few road directions from Metheny in the process.
Don Kimenker, earBuzz.com (July 2007) Show less
