David Arkenstone and Friends Live
Winter’s Eve
Sea of Glass-Center for the Arts
Tucson, Arizona
December 16, 2023
Multi-instrumentalist, David Arkenstone has been professionally active in music more than 35 years and is consistered to be the guru of New Age Music. His music is primarily instrumental with a few vocals blended in. His music has been labeled as “soundtracks for the imagination.”
The Grammy nominated artist has released over 50 albums throughout the years and has composed music for video games and television. His music has been used as the background for Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve heard Arkenstone’s music. His career catalogue of music is extensive. He managed to release ten ablums during the pandemic between 2020-2022.
The list of musical instruments that he has mastered includes: violin, saxophone, flutes, guitar, piano, bass guitar, mandolin, melodica, pennywhistle, pan pipes, drums, harp, and Turkish saz.
The fans were anxious to hear new music from Arkenstone’s recent album release, Winterlude. It was written to illustrate some of the moods Arkenstone experiences during this season of the year. As result, this concert wasn’t primarily holiday tunes, but more seasonal selections.That said, there were plenty of Christmas songs arranged in more creative arrangements that gave the songs a fresh ‘feel’ that avoided the repetition often heard during this time of year. Even “Jingle Bells” had a renewed vigor.
An integrital element of experiencing Arkenstone live is the virtuoso musicians that perform with him. Each had ample opportunity to demonstrate their immense talent. KimberlyZaleski is the group’s flutist. The Cleveland native plays as the principle flutist for The Firelands Symphony Orchestra and with the Cleveland Orchestra and many other ensembles throughout Ohio.She is the co-founder of the flute, cello,and Percusion In2ative, known for their engaging performances of original compositions.
Josh Gilgoff is the drummer and percussionist who was honored with a national Jazz Rd Tour grant. He has been blessed with performances of his innovative technique”TeleVibe” on seven national and two international tours.
Laurann Woods performs as the violinist, violist, and string arranger for the group. She has the distinction of performing with such artists as The Black-Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce, and many more well-known performers. He violin has been heard on The Late Night Show with James Cordin, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Voice to name a few. Her list of accomplishments go on.
Emily Elkin on cello has as many accomplishments as Woods. She is a session musician, Chamber musician, educator and composer. She plays all genre of music and has performed with Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Weezer, Sabrina Claudio, Hand Habits, Big Star, Sharon Van Etten, and many more.
The show was a guaranteed winner with musicians of such magnificent calibre. Everyone moved off the stage after the break, sitting in the audience that gave the experience of being in one’s ‘living room.’ The entire show was low lit with an aire of a chilly winter night. Obviously there was no snow on the ground outside in Arizona, but you could not help but wonder when you stepped outside what we would find. It was a magical evening filled with extraordinary music.
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