Azuretta by Regina Harris Baiocchi

Jess Johnson, piano
Recorded in Collins Recital Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison Mead Witter School of Music on a DS Standard 5.5 ™ keyboard.
Piano Technician: Baoli Liu
Recording Engineers: Buzz Kemper and Audrey Martinovich at Audio for the Arts
Video Production: Dave Alcorn at Microtone Media
NOTES:
Azuretta (“Little Girl Blue") is my musical reaction to a debilitating stroke Dr. Hale Smith suffered in 2000 AD. It was unbearable to witness my mentor, friend and master composer rendered mute and paralyzed. Hale was such a vibrant man who loved to talk, hold court; and he had the goods to do so. Unfortunately, Hale subsisted in a mute, paralyzed state until he passed 24 November 2009. Fortunately, Hale's incredibly legacy speaks for him and itself. (Regina Harris Baiocchi)

[@reginaharrisbaiocchi2016]

Dear Jess,
Thanks for this beautiful rendition of "Azuretta"! Your performance transports me to wonderful times that led to this composition. Your performance, the production, lighting, et cetera are subtle, effective, and underscore the Spirit of this tribute to my dear mentor, Hale Smith. Brava, brava, brava!