Things of beauty can come from the release of one’s traumas. Harry Skoler experienced the loss of a friend as a teenager, a passing that deeply impacted the clarinetist/composer and left an indelible mark on his person. On his new recording, Red Brick Hill, Skoler revisits the past and delivers the story instrumentally with an incredible array of musicians in an effort to cleanse his soul, keep his friend’s legacy alive, and to, hopefully, help others with such burdens through the gift of music. In August 2022, Skoler and his son went to New York City to record the album at Sear Sound. Prior to the session, Skoler told the story to which his son replied that Skoler should tell the ensemble that he and Smith had assembled, which included vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassist Dezron Douglas, and drummer Johnathan Blake, the story. The musicians listened to the story with empathy and promised to tell the tale through their playing. The recording evidences the ensemble’s empathy, as the music highlights the ensemble’s connection throughout.

The recording is programmatic. Skoler first introduces his first friendship with “Nan- Cee,” a bittersweet theme song for his dear friend led by Ross’s resonant vibes. The lovely ballad “Last Star, Last Night” reflects on how even though there are millions of stars in the sky, like people on earth, it may be that star’s last moment, as Bill probably realized it was near his last moment when no one else could. The piece also features a touching guest appearance by pianist Christian Sands. “ascent” is the first of three duo pieces. This duet with Douglas represents Bill’s walk up the hill with the box to deliver to Skoler. Marquis Hill adds his emotive trumpet to Skoler’s strident clarinet frontline on the emotionally diminished “blue, mostly,” while “abyss” is a thoughtful duo between Skoler and Blake, interpreting Skoler’s frantic run up the snow-covered red brick hill upon learning of his friend’s shocking loss.