By Brian Ball, Host of WomensRadio Music Review
WomensRadio Music Review offers an intimate and in-depth perspective on the music and mission of the world’s finest Independent Female Musicians. Throughout the all-inclusive span of topics and genres, you’ll find everything from producers to pianists, labels to lawyers, venues to violinists and cowgirls to showgirls. Join us, as we take you on a journey not only into sound, but through a healthy variety of real-life topics on the minds of today’s new music industry leaders.
01 – New Wings
02 – Flowers for Marie03 – Open Hands, Open Heart
04 – Jesse’s Heart
05 – A Tremendous Rose
for Ernest
06 – The Answer Within
07 – Memoria E Fado
08 – I’ll Look Forward to
Seeing You
09 – Buoy of the Heart
10 – You Listened
11 – O Solo Mole
12 – To Let Go
13 – In the Wee Small
Hours of the MorningThis new CD features eleven of Margaret’s jazz/classical compositions, plus a standard jazz ballad and a song by Brazilian guitarist Egberto Gismonti. Five pieces are for solo guitar, and eight songs are performed by three different instrumental duos. The duos pair Slovak’s nylon-string and electric guitars with steel-string guitarist Doug Smith, acoustic bassist Dave Captein, and jazz pianist George Mitchell. Margaret’s original acrylic painting appears on the cover of the CD, and one of her pastel drawings appears inside the CD insert; the artwork corresponds to two of her musical pieces. Many of Margaret’s compositions on this CD reflect her experiences playing music for patients in ICU, oncology, and trauma units in several Portland area hospitals, and also at the Hopewell House Hospice Center. Started to work on this CD in late November, 2002. However, she was involved in a car accident in early January, 2003, and sustained neck, back, arm, shoulder, and nerve injuries, which affected the function of her right hand. After two years of intense physical therapy and a process of adapting her technique, Margaret has regained about 70% of her right hand use. She was able to resume the recording of this disc in June, 2004; the CD was completed shortly before Christmas Day, 2004. The title cut and the cover painting, “New Wings,” were created during the first year of her recovery from the car accident, and reflect the spirit of seeking “silver linings and new beginnings.”More about Margaret Slovak
As a composer and guitarist, Margaret combines elements of jazz with classical and world music, creating a unique and highly personal musical style that is deeply expressive. Margaret’s first CD, Undying Hope (1998) features her solo guitar compositions. Her second CD, New Wings (2005) contains original solos and duos. Her third CD, For the Moment (2007)features her original compositions for a jazz quartet which includes pianist Fred Hersch. Margaret’s CD’s are currently receiving national and international radio airplay. She also appears on three compilation CD’s: Proximity (1998), Sundays at Central (2001) and Bridges (2007). In addition, between 1995 – 2007, Margaret was the recipient of twelve grants from Portland’s Regional Arts & Culture Council for her music and art projects. She also teaches guitar and theory privately.
