DESCRIPTION:
Whatever genre of music he is engaging in, Derek Bermel is always mindful of its context. That mindfulness, coupled with an insatiable musical curiosity, manifests itself whether he is composing music for an orchestra, playing clarinet with various chamber ensembles, singing in his own R&B band, or jamming with traditional musicians from around the world. In a lengthy conversation with Frank J. Oteri, Bermel reflected on the many mentors he has had over the years, technical details about musical notation and orchestration, plus today's post-genre musical environment and the possible downside of living in a world where everything is available online. To read a complete transcript of their talk, go to: http://www.newmusicbox.org/articles/derek-bermel-context-is-key/