Composer/performer Malcolm Goldstein (b.1936) has been active in the presentation of new music and dance since the early 1960s. He received an M.A. in music composition from Columbia University in 1960, having studied with Otto Luening. In the 1960s in New York City, he was a co-founder with James Tenney and Philip Corner of the Tone Roads Ensemble. His “Soundings” improvisations have received international acclaim for having ‘reinvented violin playing,’ extending the range of tonal/sound-texture possibilities of the instrument and revealing new dimensions of expressivity.

The pieces on this recording are structured improvisation compositions; none are through-composed, linear pieces with exactly notated tones and rhythms. The sound of the composed improvisations range from jazzy to dense microtonal sounds.

The works on “Soweto Stomp” features Goldstein not only as composer, but also as a soloist and ensemble performer.

Established in 1992, the eclectic Ratchet Orchestra serves as a meeting place for Montreal musicians interested in creating new and vibrant music. Many of the city’s most active and creative composers, instrumentalists and improvisers play in the ensemble. Collectively, the Ratchet owe an enormous debt to Goldstein who has mentored and worked with many of the band members in the past. Their close connection is evident in the musical performances here.

Malcolm Goldstein, violin, direction
The Ratchet Orchestra: Nicolas Caloia, double bass; Joshua Zubot and Guido Del Fabbro, violins; Jean René, viola; Lori Freedman, clarinets; Jean Derome, flute, alto saxophone; Yves Charuest, alto saxophone; Damian Nisenson, tenor saxophone; Jason Sharp, baritone saxophone; Ellwood Epps, trumpet; Scott Thomson, trombone; Chris Burns, guitar; Guillaume Dostaler, piano; Isaiah Ceccarelli, drums; Ken Doolittle, percussion
Liner notes by Malcolm Goldstein. Cover art by Carolee Schneemann.