This is My Letter to the World

This is My Letter to the World is an exploration of music for trumpet inspired by politics and social concepts. In her second album, Kate Amrine chooses to address pressing topics facing each of us including gun violence, abortion rights, discrimination, climate change, feminism, identity, immigration, and more. In the liner notes Kate writes, “As an activist and storyteller, I created this album of different stories and viewpoints that I am excited to share with the world. Many of these pieces bring up issues that are extremely important to everyone and I hope that upon listening, you will act and inspire others to do everything they can to make this world a better place.” These works are meant to start a conversation and inspire people to reflect. And yes, increase awareness to what is possible on the trumpet. While some of these pieces were written as early as 2018 with multiple performances completed, several were finalized very close to the recording session. However, with the subject matter, the pieces always feel fresh and timely – with another opportunity to connect performances to the incidents and moments we experience.

Featuring compositions by Gemma Peacocke, Jacob TV, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, Ruby Fulton, Kevin Joest, inti figgis-vizueta, Jay Rizzetto, and Howie Kenty, Kate Amrine explores the various textural possibilities on the trumpet. She pushes the boundaries of what a typical album sounds like both stylistically and technically with quiet cross-instrument family blending, groovy lines with electronics, confident quarter tones, singing in close harmony, speaking highly personal and powerful phrases, extended technique improvisation, and more. In addition to juggling various trumpets and mutes as the solo performer, Kate composed three of the tracks on the album: a duo with alto flute, a trumpet trio, and a quartet with alto flute, viola, and cello. Kate was thrilled to be joined by so many of NYC’s best contemporary classical musicians on this album: Amanda Gookin (cello), Carrie Frey (viola), Roberta Michel (alto flute), Ford Fourqurean (bass clarinet), Alia Kuhnert (trumpet), Maddi Lusby (trumpet), Leanne Friedman (alto flute), Kate Barmotina (viola), and Kyra Sims (narrator).

In a review about Kate’s first album As I Am, the International Trumpet Guild Journal writes:  “An accomplished performer, educator, composer, music contractor, and commissioner of new works, Kate Amrine is the epitome of the 21st century renaissance artist.” In addition to her work as a solo artist, Kate Amrine is an active freelancer and educator in New York City.