ALBUMS
Solo Albums
Trumpet Songs – Summit Records, 2021.
“Samayoa’s shading on the flugelhorn in Florence Price’s Adoration is breathtaking, as is the final note of Share my Yoke.”
“Raquel Samayoa is an accomplished artist who deserves a serious listen.”
ITG Journal Review, June 2022.
About the Album
In my career, I have played with an all-female brass band (Athena Brass Band), brass choir (Monarch Brass), and an all-female mariachi group (Mariachi Rosas Divinas). I also co-hosted the International Women’s Brass Conference in 2014 and will co-host again in 2022. Lastly, I currently perform with an all-female brass quintet, Seraph Brass and brass trio, Lantana Trio. I did not seek out to play in these exclusive groups, but there has been a need and movement to bring attention to the under-representation of females in the brass world. In this same vein, I find myself passionately interested in bringing an album devoted to female composers. There are amazing works by female composers for trumpet and piano that are either hidden in obscurity or have never been recorded. I believe this album would bring attention to these works and composers.
The album features works for trumpet and piano, as well as trumpet and percussion. Pieces included on the album are by Jennifer Higdon (Trumpet Songs), Cecilia McDowall (Framed), Libby Larson (Ridge Runner), Joy Webb (Share my Yoke), Nicole Piunno (Poem at Cantwell Cliffs) and Florence B. Price (Adoration).
Libby Larsen’s Ridge Runner was commissioned in 2012 by the International Women’s Brass Conference and includes 2 percussionists. According to the composer, “Ridge-Runner, for Bb trumpet and percussion, is an uninterrupted suite in five sections. The term “ridge-runner” is American slang referring loosely to a number of characters—the southern farmer, the mountaineer, the moonshiner—people of wit, perseverance, and self-reliance, people who don’t mind dealing with the elements. It struck me that solo trumpet performers are akin to ridge-runners in their spirit, energy and daring. So I set about composing this piece by basing its personality in abstract vernacular music—banjo picking, ballad, jazz, harmonica—and treating it as a serious concert piece. My aim is to bring the experience of ridge-running into the concert hall.” – Libby Larsen
Jennifer Higdon’s Trumpet Songs are exquisitely brilliant and in six short movements that explore the lyrical side of the trumpet. According to the composer, “Trumpet Songs first existed as a collection of short art songs for voice and piano, which I eventually arranged for the trumpet. They represent a lyrical quality and bend of phrase that allows the trumpet to sing out”. Jennifer Higdon (Born 1962) is one of the leading American composers from the turn of the twenty first century era. Her earliest compositions date to the early ’80s, but she emerged as an important figure in the period of the new millennium with such orchestra works as blue cathedral (1999), City Scape (2002), and Concerto for Orchestra (2002). She has been prolific and versatile, producing music in most instrumental and vocal genres. Jennifer Higdon won the Pulitzer Prizes for Music in 2010.
Poem at Cantwell Cliffs by Nicole Piunno is a beautiful and reflective piece. The composer states, “Like many artists, I find refreshment by spending time in nature. One of my favorite places to visit is Hocking Hills in Logan, Ohio. Cantwell Cliffs is a location at Hocking Hills that I visited early one morning and ended up writing a poem based on the experience. When I entered Cantwell Cliffs, I was completely alone and surrounded by cliffs and deep valleys, therefore the poem centers around silence, open spaces, and finding comfort in solitude. The opening two lines from the poem are:
“The loudest sound is silence.
Or maybe it’s my own breath.”
As an American composer in the early 20th century, Florence Price broke societal norms as being both African-American and a woman. Price composed more than 300 works in her lifetime. Price’s compositions offer a charming and authentic blend of jazz, spirituals, African-American church music and European art music. She was born in Little Rock, Ark., in 1887. She enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music at 14, where she studied composition and graduated in 1907. In 1932, Price’s Symphony in E Minor won a prize, leading to its premiere by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra — the first composition by a black woman to be performed by a major orchestra. Price’s early work included pieces for piano and organ. She earned her living in the 1930s and 1940s playing the organ at church and film screenings. Price’s “Adoration” was originally written for organ, but will presented on this album as a piece for flugelhorn and piano. The flugelhorn’s dark and somber timbre is well-suited for this lyrical and emotional piece.
Major Joy Webb’s contributions to The Salvation Army’s vocal repertoire has been significant. Bandmaster Ivor Bosanko of the USA Western Territory transcribed Share my Yoke, one of Major Webb’s most poignant compositions. The lyrics to the original song can be found in The Musical Salvationist, July 1987. I wanted to record this beautiful piece as I love the spiritual meaning of this piece.
Framed (2009) by Cecilia McDowall is a colorful collection of pieces for trumpet and piano which draws its inspirations from a variety of art works. They range from the gentle Parisian waltz, Ball at the Moulin de la Galette inspired by the artist Renoir; an atmospheric night piece, Nocturne in Blue and Gold by Whistler; a bright, dazzling Winter Landscape with Skaters by the Dutch painter Avercamp; the Baroque brilliance of A Choir of Angels by the 15th Century painter, Marmion; and two cool jazzy works, Marilyn Diptych by pop artist Andy Warhol and Walking Man (a powerful elongated sculpture by Giacometti) which is in five time. The final and most challenging piece of Framed, Overcoming Red, is inspired by the abstract artist, Rodchenko, who asserted in 1921 that the ‘end of painting’ was imminent; an appropriate choice for the concluding work of the picture gallery.
I picked these interesting and diverse pieces because of the beautiful and distinct qualities each encompass. I feel each of these trumpet songs are beautiful in their own way, and I hope you love them as much as I do!
Cincinnati Virtuosity: The Music of Herman Bellstedt and Frank Simon, 2013.
“You have a beautiful cornet tone and smooth technique, with perfect intonation. The style of these solos comes across try well, and I am happy that you selected several unrecorded but deserving solos. “
“It is some of the very best cornet playing that I’ve heard in years.”
About the Album
Cincinnati Virtuosity-The Cornet Music of Frank Simon and Herman Bellstedt
An important component of American popular music at the turn of the 20th Century consisted of town wind bands and factory bands that would often perform for town and civic functions. One of the most popular wind bands in American History is the John Philip Sousa Band. The Sousa Band toured nationwide and presented live concerts to thousands of Americans. The Sousa Band also commonly featured virtuosic soloists, most commonly a singer and a cornetist. Two Sousa Band cornet soloists of note are Frank Simon (1889-1967) and Herman Bellstedt (1858-1926). What is extraordinary about these men are that both lived and performed in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to performing, these remarkable men also composed music, particularly for the cornet.
In addition to performing with the Sousa Band, Bellstedt performed with and conducted his own band at the Cincinnati Zoo in August of 1902 and later became Professor of Wind Instruments at the Cincinnati Conservatory in 1913. Frank Simon performed with the Cincinnati Symphony and in 1932 founded the band department at Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, where he also taught for 20 years. Simon is most remembered for founding the Armco Band in 1920 based in Middletown, OH. Sponsored by the Middletown-based steel company, it became one of the greatest concert bands in the country. By 1922, the band played weekly summer concerts for 10,000-12,000 people. The Armco Band reached national fame for its weekly broadcasts (1929-39) on the NBC Radio Network.
There have been many recordings made of cornet virtuosic music from well-known soloists and composers, but remarkably, there are no recordings devoted exclusively to the music of these men at the time of this recording. I have enjoyed learning these charming (but challenging!) cornet solos. The CD includes nine cornet solos with piano accompaniment. I felt compelled to include some of the more popular pieces such as Napoli, Willow Echoes, and La Mandolinata. Not as popular, but not completely obscure, are the pieces Carnival of Venice, Fantasia No. 1, Miss Blue Bonnet, and Princess Alice. The most obscure pieces are Piece de Concerte and American Boy.
Each piece is what could be considered a virtuoso cornet solo. What makes these pieces so charming are the memorable melodies and ample moments for musical phrasing. The pieces all have their own technical challenges as well, including many fast tonguing and finger dexterity sections. Nevertheless, the pieces were all enjoyable fare, and in my opinion, great crowd pleasers and excellent for use in recitals.
I would like to thank Jan Corrothers, an extraordinary piano collaborative artist, currently based in Nashville. Recording engineered, edited, mixed, and mastered by Kim Pensyl at the CCM Jazz Recording Studios, The University of Cincinnati. Thank you Kim, you are a true professional! Also, thanks to Carol Dunevant who served as a musical advisor and producer for all 4 days of the recording sessions. This was a labor of love and we hope you enjoy the music of Cincinnati’s own Frank Simon and Herman Bellstedt.
Artists:
Raquel Samayoa leads a dynamic and engaging career as a teacher, chamber musician, recitalist, adjudicator and solo performer. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet, and Co-Conductor of the UNT Brass Band at the University of North Texas College of Music. Dr. Samayoa additionally performs with Lantana Trio, a Brass Trio comprised of UNT Brass Faculty. Her performances have taken her to leading venues in the United States and across the world. As a member of the award-winning Seraph Brass, she frequently tours the US and abroad performing concerts and engaging in educational outreach performances. Dr. Samayoa is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a Denis Wick Artist and Clinician. Raquel is a member of the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC) Board of Directors and served as a co-host for the 2022 & 2014 IWBC.
Jan Corrothers is a Collaborative Pianist and Organist based in the Greater Nashville area where she was recently appointed full time Staff Accompanist for the Music Department of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
In demand as a collaborative pianist, Jan performs regularly as Accompanist for many choral conventions, workshops, festivals, recitals, and reading sessions across the United States and abroad. She regularly collaborates with the Festival Singers of Florida, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Fenton, and previously with the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE), under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson.
Jan has presented workshops on the art of choral collaboration for organizations including Chorus America, the West Virginia Baptist Convention and most recently in Beijing, China. She currently serves as National Board President of the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians.
Prior to her appointment at APSU, Jan held positions as Staff Accompanist and Adjunct Faculty member at Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University, Alderson Broaddus University, and Marietta College. From 2006-2016, she served as Principal Accompanist of the award-winning Cincinnati Children’s Choir, under the direction of Robyn Lana, in residence at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.
Jan received the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from Alderson Broaddus University. In 2008, Jan was the recipient of the Alderson Broaddus University Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Ensemble Albums
Brass Arts Quintet: The Music of Chicago, Mark Records, 2018.
About the Album
Chicago’s innovative blend of classical, jazz, and rock made their music stand out as something truly special. Continuing this eclectic mix of styles in adapting the music for brass quintet was inspiration for these arrangements. The Brass Arts Quintet has entertained audiences throughout the United States for over five decades, appearing at major music conferences and touring for the Tennessee Arts Commission, bringing the joy of music to thousands of listeners of all ages through both community and school performances. The quintet has appeared on public television stations across the country in programs including two Christmas specials and Patriotic Brass, celebrating the music of America. The quintet is in residence at Tennessee Technological University, where members are on the faculty in the school of music.
Lantana Trio: Crossing Barriers, MSR Classics, 2022.
“This 53-minute recording of the Lantana Trio is well scripted and executed. … Samayoa’s lightning-fast triple tonguing in “B.O.P.” is an especially solid way to end the disc. Mickens’s horn sound is crystal clear in every register, and Mannix’s trombone playing is solid in every aspect. Because of the artists’ skills, many of the tunes sound as if they are played by larger ensembles. All of the compositions are well paced for the listener.”
John D. Perkins, International Trumpet Guild Journal, [Oct 2023]
“…Brass trio recordings are few and far between, but here is one that is very good.
…The playing is excellent from start to finish.”
Kilpatrick, American Record Guide [May 2023]
“…the album as a whole is a delight. Indeed, in terms of both commissioning and performance, the Lantana Trio’s debut is an unqualified success.”
Andrew Farach-Colton, Gramophone [April 2023]
“… a CD of uniformly high-quality performances of music that is quite capable of standing or falling on its own, without the need of any particular societal gloss.”
Mark J. Estren, InfoDad [March 2023]
“…Lantana Trio, …come together to play six compositions in precise, coordinated and skillful fashion.
They achieve a performance height in their venue to which all musicians in ensembles aspire. …In addition to outstanding
musicianship, a listener is also treated to superb recording quality on headphones or a stereo system akin to a live
performance.
Joel C. Thompson, Cherry Grove Music [March 2023]
About the Album
Lantana Trio’s debut album, “Crossing Barries” has been well-received with a Silver Medal – Outstanding Achievement recognition in the Trio category of the Global Music Awards. The album is under the MSR Classics Label and consists of music for brass trio by underrepresented composers. Lantana commissioned 4 new pieces by composers: Jeff Scott, Shanyse Strickland, Dorothy Gates, and Ivette Herryman Rodriguez. They were also part of a commissioning consortium for the piece by Erik Morales. The Lauren Bernofsky piece, “Trio for Brass” is becoming a staple in the brass trio genre.
Formed in 2018, Lantana Trio consists of faculty members from the University of North Texas: Raquel Samayoa on trumpet, Stacie Mickens on horn, and Natalie Mannix on trombone. Lantana Trio has presented recitals at the 2022 International Trombone Festival, the 2022 and 2019 International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC), the 2021 National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Conference (NACWPI), the 2020 Big XII Trombone Conference, and performed as featured soloist with the UNT Wind Symphony and Lone Star Wind Orchestra. Advocates for diversity in the arts, Lantana Trio’s new album, Crossing Barriers, features works by women and BIPOC composers, including five new commissions. Members of Lantana Trio were also the co-hosts of the International Women’s Brass Conference hosted at the University of North Texas in May of 2022.