Although it is fairly common to see percussionists holding four mallets, those who use six are still somewhat rare. Award-winning composer and percussionist Robert Paterson has spent his entire career developing this technique and writing pieces that utilize this technique. To date, he has written more works using this technique than anyone else in the world. This is the world's first all six mallet marimba album, and it pays tribute to his roots as a percussionist, and specifically, the marimba. Paterson sets out to prove that this innovative, groundbreaking technique opens the door for creating new timbres and colors, richer harmonies, and a more varied sound palette on his instrument. All of the works on this album feature the marimba and are performed by Paterson and members of the critically-acclaimed American Modern Ensemble. Works Include Komodo and Piranha for solo marimba, Stillness for oboe and marimba (featuring Sarah Schram, oboe), Clarinatrix for bass clarinet and marimba (Meighan Stoops, bass clarinet), the three movement Duo for Flute and Marimba (Sato Moughalian, flute and alto flute), the six mallet version of Tongue and Groove (there's also a four-mallet version) for alto saxophone and marimba (Jeremy Justeson, alto saxophone)Braids for violin and marimba (Victoria Paterson, violin), Links & Chains for violin and marimba (Robin Zeh, violin) and Fantasia for tuba and marimba (Dan Peck, tuba). MORE ON ROBERT PATERSON Cited by the press as "one of the major contenders in American music" and for writing "exuberant and rhythmically vital music marked by energy and a wonderful sense of color," Robert Paterson's music continues to be in demand by audiences and musicians alike. His music has been played by many orchestras, including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Austin Symphony, Albany Symphony, and the American Composers Orchestra. Chamber ensembles and choirs who have commissioned and performed his music include the New York New Music Ensemble, Bargemusic, California EAR Unit, Da Capo Chamber Players, Ensemble Aleph, Locrian Chamber Players, Aureole, and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. In 2011, Paterson was named Composer of the Year by the Classical Recording Foundation at Carnegie's Weill Hall. Other honors include the Copland Award, Brian Israel Prize, and numerous grants from American Composers Forum, ASCAP, and the American Music Center. Fellowships include the MacDowell Colony, Atlantic Music Center, Yaddo, and the Aspen Music Festival. From 2009-12, Paterson held a Music Alive! Residency, sponsored by New Music USA and the League of American Orchestras. Paterson has given master classes at many other colleges and universities, including the Curtis Institute of Music, New York University, Ithaca College, Sarah Lawrence College, Middlebury College, the University of Vermont and the Eastman School of Music. Paterson is the founder and Artistic Director of the American Modern Ensemble and resides in New York City with his wife Victoria, a violinist, and their son Dylan. MORE ON THE AMERICAN MODERN ENSEMBLE Hailed by The New York Times as having 'a strong fan base" and being composed of "performers of high-quality,' and for it's 'exceptional energy and thoughtful programming' (MusicWeb International), American Modern Ensemble is a dynamic, creative force in the new music scene. Founded in New York City in 2005, AME performs and records the widest possible repertoire written by American composers. Incorporating the traditional and the cutting edge, stretching from the bawdy to the brilliant, TimeOut New York's Steve Smith says AME has "consistently demonstrated a flair for inventive programming." With a world-class ensemble made up of many of New York's finest musicians, AME has performed and premiered hundreds of works by living composers. AME is committed to connecting audiences with composers: 95% of composers whose works have been programmed by AME have attended the concerts, and connect with audiences via interviews, discussions and the receptions held after each concert. AME has been generously supported by grants from a variety of organizations, including the Aaron Copland Fund, NYSCA, Hegardt Foundation, Doctorow Foundation, New Music USA (formerly Meet The Composer and American Music Center), Wise Family Charitable Foundation, BMI, ASCAP, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and various private foundations and generous patrons.