Music Review: The Departure by Ten String Serenade

I received a package in the mail this week from two young composer/ performers. Although the music is classical in nature, I hope I might be allowed to provide my perspective as someone who appreciates music rather than the perspective of a music scholar, which I am not.

I make special exception for this music because I love it. It stirs images in my mind and soothes my soul. I am talking about the debut recording of the extraordinarily talented young duo known as Ten String Serenade. This work is entitled, The Departure. Ten String Serenade is principally Alex Hollums on steel string guitar and Karla Dietmeyer on violin. These two composer/performers play a variety of instruments on this recording including cello, piano, percussion and glockenspiel. They co-wrote all of the songs except for “Dad’s Song” written by Mark Hollums and Karla Dietmeyer and “How Sweet The Sound”, which is an original arrangement based on the traditional spirituals “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and "Amazing Grace". I should also credit Brent Bouthiller for his work on drums, mandolin and bongos as well as his excellent production at Rescue Sound Technologies in Peachtree City, Georgia.

I believe most of the music on this cd would also be classified as chamber music. The exception is primarily due to the magic of recording technologies in which strings are layered together to create an orchestral sound. I will also say that every original song and arrangement would be ideally suited for placement in film, television or advertising. Every song creates a mood which is the primary goal for producers of film and television.

The first song I would like to feature is called Nuovo Giorno which is song number one on the cd. I think this means new day in Italian. My two other Italian words are spaghetti and ravioli. This music begins with an intro. I know, profound. Actually, it has a beautiful simplicity that is haunting. The song moves into a spirited guitar/violin arrangement. I love Karla’s use of double stops throughout most of this piece. She demonstrates extraordinary command over this emotional and complex instrument that is the violin.

Song number three is called Mountaintown Lullaby. Alex creates a mood with his excellent classical fingerstyle on the steel string guitar. I believe his expression is very reminiscent of Chet Atkins on his later work such as, “Sails”
(CBS, 1987). The guitar is prominent in the early part of the song with excellent
piano and violin fills. The violin moves prominently to the forefront, or “on top” in performance vernacular, midway through the song. Karla and Alex both demonstrate their understanding of dynamics as the violin moves back to the background and the guitar moves back on top. I think the harmonics are a nice touch at the end of the song.

Song number four on the cd is Blue Eyes Dreams. The lyrics to this love song are written by Karla. WARNING: If you are in a relationship with a significant other person, you may want to skip this song as you may find yourself falling in love with Karla’s voice. This song begins with a nice shuffle rhythm on acoustic guitar with nice mandolin fills throughout. I love the melodies in the verses and the chorus. She should write more.

Song number seven on the cd is called How Sweet the Sound. I believe this is a medley type arrangement of Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Amazing Grace. The cello provides some bottom end that is followed by layers of harmonized strings. I love the effect. However, I am not sure how Karla and Alex will perform this piece live without some help from a bunch of folks in formal wear.

Song number eight is entitled, The Departure. This song has a very nice guitar intro with harmonics. The music is bittersweet, which one might expect from a song called The Departure. I was reminded of those times in my life when I had to say goodbye to someone very close to me. The production and mix on this song is great. I like the change and the cello. There is a nice build with layered strings. The timing structure seems complex at times. My brain is not quite large enough to comprehend exactly what is going on, but it seems that two separate timings are somehow layered together. I just know that I like the effect. Nice fade with harmonics at the end.

Song number nine is called Big Shoes. On this song, Alex once again gives the listener a sample of his classical stylings. This song also reminds me of Chet Atkins. The song has lovely arrangement on the string sections providing great depth and texture. I love the cello on this song.

In summary, both Alex and Karla demonstrate extraordinary technical abilities on
their respective instruments. They have the rare ability to achieve an emotional level that many of us ordinary folks refer to as soul. It is certainly an ability that is beyond their years. Karla demonstrates a nice ability to craft lyrics and she has a lovely voice. But that is not all. They also show a great talent for composition and arrangement. The depth and texture of this music has the potential to evoke a wide range of emotion for the listener. Please check out their website at TenStringSerenade.com .