Flying Not Falling is a bold statement about what New Age music can be today!
The overall tone is joyous, happy, and up-lifting. Eleven new instrumental songs engage the listener with Highstein’s signature combination of catchy melodies, well defined themes, and intricate arrangements. The result is a lively set that avoids the syrupy tones common to much of the genre, in favor of truly satisfying musical content.
Classical, jazz, and world music elements gracefully weave their way throughout the work. Virtuosic performances by Highstein on piano combine with contributions from masterful woodwind, string, and percussion players. The mix conveys a level of emotional depth and personality that draw in the listener through repeated plays.
Flying Not Falling includes stellar performances by the following musicians:
Max Highstein – piano, fretless bass, synthesizers.
John Yoakum – soprano sax, flute. Credits include Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, The Simpsons, LA Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ed Willett – cello. Willett has performed with the Honolulu Symphony and Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, and toured worldwide with pop/rock icon Rickie Lee Jones.
Willa Roberts – vocalization. Featured with her trio Black Sea Hotel on the Grammy Award winning Yo-Yo Ma/ The Silk Road Ensemble’s latest album, Sing Me Home.
Mark Clark – drums and percussion. Credits include James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, John Popper, and Ottmar Liebert. John Gustafson – oboe. The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Anthony Braxton, James Newton and Bob Moses.
Jesse Tatum – flute. Principal Flute of The Santa Fe Symphony and the Opera Southwest Orchestra.
John Gustafson – oboe. The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Anthony Braxton, James Newton and Bob Moses.
Charly Drobeck – flute. Member, Santa Fe Pro Musica, and Santa Fe Womens’ Ensemble
With Special Appearance by Jay Rusty Crutcher, alto sax on Let’s Talk. Rusty Crutcher is a celebrated multi-instrumentalist and New Age music artist.
Additional mixing input by Chuck Wilson and Daniel Ward.
