As an avid listener, I try to be open to new music. As with any journey, guides can be most useful. One of my occasional musical guides is the fabulous guitarist Sharon Isbin. In addition to founding Julliard’s first doctoral program in guitar, and possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of classical guitar literature, Isbin has a keen sense, perhaps even a calling to find and promote substantial new music.

So it is with this lovely album of works commissioned by Isbin. Her many commissions and collaborations have ranged from contemporary classical composers to collaborative efforts with artists outside the western classical music mold. In brief, she is not merely a patron/patroness of music but also an actively engaged participant in the process of music making, learning as much as she teaches, identifying with, and supporting her fellow musicians.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Isbin at the time of the release of her Cedille album. Now, I may be inferring too much from that brief interview, but what stays with me is a sense from her of almost parental warmth, insight, and wisdom. So it is with this unabashedly friendly, pretty, and very listenable album. It is apparently the latest in a discography now numbering some 20 plus albums by Ms. LeFrak.

Isbin’s radar has guided me to this interesting renaissance woman whose labors include raising prize poodles, writing best selling children’s books, and, more recently, a composer of substantial new music in the western classical mold. Karen LeFrak.

This is my first experience of hearing her musical work (having failed to avail myself of a prize poodle or reading one of those children’s books). This album gets its eminently listenable charm from a winning combination of a truly inventive composer (nice orchestration as well) with Isbin’s definitive interpretation drawn from her ability to deeply understand music of any genre.

My initial impression (meaning the first minute or so), was of a warmly tonal, ethnically inflected composition. I followed my guide (Isbin) confident that she would not lead me where I did not want to be. Of course, she did not fail me, and shall remain one of my trusted guides.

There are 5 tracks on this disc. All tracks feature Sharon Isbin as well as the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, ably led by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The Miami Concerto was a commission for Ms. Isbin as are the two dance inspired works that comprise the last two tracks. They are chamber works with guitar very much similar in inspiration to the concerto.

Miami Concerto for Guitar & Chamber Orchestra (World Premiere Recording)
1. Bailamos [4:58]
2. Romántico [8:16]
3. Festivo [4:36]

4. Habanera Nights [3:31] (World Premiere Recording)

Sharon Isbin, guitar; Rolando Morales-Matos, guiro; Mariana Ramirez-Alvarado, claves, Javier Diaz, bongos, Peggy Kampmeier, piano; Carter Brey, cello; Victor Pablo Garcia-Gaetán, shaker

5. Urban Tango [4:10] (World Premiere Recording)

Sharon Isbin, guitar; Javier Diaz, bongos; Rolando Morales-Matos, guiro; Peggy Kampmeier, piano

The first three tracks contain the “Miami Concerto” and the last two tracks are dance movements titled “Habanera Nights” and “Urban Tango”. All are written with Sharon Isbin in mind in 2003-4 and all were premiered in 2024. This recording followed shortly thereafter.

The Miami Concerto is a solid addition to the repertoire. It is cast in three movements and feature melodies and rhythms from the musical roots of the Latin and West African World and features a lovely battery of Latin/African instruments supporting the orchestra.

The three movements follow the traditional concerto format, fast with a slow introduction, slow, and fast. The style is well described by the album’s title, “Romantico”.

The Habanera and Tango are chamber works featuring Isbin’s guitar. Both, like the concerto derive from the composer’s interest in these melodies and rhythms that have become a part of Miami culture.

I’ve listened to this release many times and played it for some friends and colleagues. The consensus, which resonates with my personal opinion, is that this is a great recording.