"Into the Blue," a collection of works for woodwind quintet performed by our Cumberland Quintet, has recently been released by Albany Records.

"Into the Blue" includes Astor Piazzola’s "Milonga sin Palabras," Alfred Uhl’s "Vier Stucke," Nino Rota’s "Petite Offrande," Jean Berger’s "Partita for Wind Quintet," Maurice Ravel’s "Trios beaux oiseaux du paradis," and Ernesto Lecuona's "La Comparsa."

Among the recordings on the new collection are works by Ravel and Mahler, as well as original music by Eric Ewazen and TTU composer Greg Danner with the title track "Into the Blue."

Ewazen — known for his expressive melodies and colorful harmonic writing — wrote "Cumberland Suite" for the Cumberland Quintet, who premiered the work in November 2004. Ewazen’s third composition for wind quintet, "Cumberland Suite" showcases the artistry of the ensemble with a work modeled after the Baroque dance suites of the 18th century.

Danner’s "Into the Blue" draws on bluegrass music as inspiration for the suite. Each of the five movements — "Skillet Licker’s Stomp," "Wildwood Flower," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Uncle Dave" and "Bluegrass Breakdown" — takes a particular bluegrass icon for inspiration.

The Cumberland Quintet, from left: Roger Martin, flute; Greg Danner, horn; James Lotz, bassoon; William Woodworth, oboe; and Anne Thurmond, clarinet.

Established in 1972 as a resident faculty ensemble at TTU, the Cumberland Quintet has built a solid reputation for unique programming and fine musicianship. The group has toured throughout the United States and in Europe, performing to a wide variety of audiences. Commanding a large repertoire of music from all periods, the group offers standards and classics, modern works and popular music.

The quintet has also performed as guest artists at conferences for the College Music Society, Tennessee Music Educators Association and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

"Into the Blue" is available online at www.albanyrecords.com. For more information, call 1-800-752-1951 or contact Anne Thurmond at 6087 or athurmond.