The Drag by Sarah Marie Hughes
This is the first release by the improvising collective, The Original Drag, led by Sarah Marie Hughes. The album is a collection of improvisations, some free and some structured, that are inspired by Baltimore and the political and social climate of 2016 - 2019. The album includes Hughes' poetry and interpretations of her graphic scores. The ensemble has an eerie telepathy; probably a result of the highly sensitive natures of each of its members who are Samuel Burt on bass clarinet, Joseph Leo Arkfeld on keyboards, and Steven Arnold on bass. The music is emotional, descriptive, raw, rebellious, and immersive. Post production additions and choices by engineer Garrett Long give the album a cohesion and flow, while allowing each track to speak for itself. Many thanks to Garrett, Tristan, and the Watermelon Room for their openness and creative and supportive energies.
Tracklist
| 1. | Monopoly House | 5:32 |
| 2. | What Is Serious? | 2:51 |
| 3. | Sun and Moon | 5:05 |
| 4. | Broken World | 2:44 |
| 5. | Angry Birds | 4:22 |
| 6. | What Is Serious? II | 6:26 |
| 7. | Assignment | 3:14 |
| 8. | Choices | 6:14 |
| 9. | The Saleswoman | 6:13 |
| 10. | Cancer Dancer | 1:02 |
| 11. | Twenty-Six | 5:51 |
Credits
Sarah Marie Hughes - alto and soprano saxophones, flute, vocals, recorder, bells, poetry, graphic scores
Samuel Burt - bass clarinet
Joseph Leo Arkfeld - moog, keyboard, bells/percussion, voice
Steven Arnold - bass, keyboard, brushes, bells, voice
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Garrett Long at the Watermelon Room / Baltimore, MD/August 28th, 2019
Assistant Engineer - Tristan Heles
