Brooklyn – a dream destination of many artists with its chic neighborhoods and glitzy walk-ups. But then you get off at the wrong subway station after dark and can’t believe the grit and despair. Brooklyn has it all – love it or hate it, take it or leave it. But one thing is certain, Brooklyn has many faces and is bound to surprise you.

Grit and Glitz is a high energy, show-off piece, venturing out into the territory of catchy pop and rock melodic gestures, stretching their boundaries until it breaks into a cadenza-like section exploring jazz harmonies.

As I reflected on my various musical influences over the years, I couldn’t believe that it took me ten years to recognize that Grit and Glitz was peppered with country music hooks. And while the music certainly expresses my fascination with New York and its rich musical traditions, it also echoes the music of my home state in a mish-mash of styles and flavors.

Grit and Glitz marks my first premiere in Brooklyn.

This piece is available on the following albums:

Past performances:

• Patti Kilroy, violin, Nick Revel, viola, and Rose Bellini, cello in Exapno, Brooklyn, NY, September 25, 2011 (premiere)