Saxophonist Tim McAllister and pianist Liz Ames visited the University of Mississippi to perform a bevy of musical works to an eager crowd at David H. Nutt Auditorium on Monday, March 4.
McAllister, who currently serves as a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, is one of the most widely acclaimed saxophone players in the world with a plethora of awards under his belt, including two Grammy Awards. Since his Houston Civic Symphony debut as a teenager, McAllister has proven to be an all-time talent and a titan in his field.
Meanwhile, Ames, who earned her doctorate at Arizona State University in collaborative piano, serves as a lecturer at the University of Michigan and travels far and wide as a concert pianist. She has dedicated much of her time to creating and publishing piano reductions.
The partnership between these two artists is regarded to be one of immense excellence.
The day before the concert, McAllister led a music masterclass in Nutt Auditorium, followed by a lecture from Ames the following day. The duo concluded their time on campus with an hour-long performance in Nutt auditorium.
Following a brief introduction by UM Associate Professor of Music Adam Estes, McAllister and Ames took the stage.
Most of the performance consisted of works from the duo’s lauded album, “Project Encore, Vol. 1.” The album, described by the two as a “labor of love,” is an amalgamation of tracks from artists deemed underrepresented by McAllister.
“We look at curation and commission work as activism for underrepresented voices,” McAllister said.
Jennifer Jolley’s “Lilac Tears” and Zoey Cutler’s “Obstacle Illusion” were a few of the transcendent pieces that echoed throughout the auditorium.
While the compositions themselves were reason enough to find great enjoyment in the presentation, it was the way that the musical duo played their respective instruments that enamored me. McAllister’s and Ames’s movements and mannerisms as they played reveal a deeper appreciation for the notes they were playing. They were wholly in tune with the music, and the unbridled joy and passion with which they performed was noteworthy.
Despite the level of talent that they both possess, they remained humble and showed gratitude to all of the attendees and those who organized the event.
“It’s wonderful to be here with you,” McAllister said.
McAllister briefly teased “Project Encore, Vol. 2,” the duo’s follow-up album that is currently in production.
“Project Encore, Vol. 1” can be found on Spotify and Apple Music.
