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LISTEN HERE  ⬇️

The music is the stuff of happy fantasy.  The imagination and skill that went into the entire program were simply amazing, throughout.  One hears in the piano not echoes of or references to other composers, but a deep sharing of ideas with great pianists, a sensibility to musical possibilities that parallels people like Ravel, Debussy, and Respighi.  Every piece sounds deceptively spontaneous, but on deeper reflection is clearly the product of much careful thought and practice - there is an apparent effortlessness that bespeaks a great deal of preparation, not to mention a unanimity of ideas between the performers.  The moods of The Engulfed Cathedral are here, as are the modes of Respighi's works, especially for piano.  Yet always there's a smooth sense of freedom and spontaneity that's almost playful, inviting the hearers to - more than just listen - but share in the fun.

Thank you Chris and Mike, for a truly fascinating, stimulating, and deeply impressive concert.  I was in awe of the thoughtfulness and skill that obviously went into every aspect of the hour, perhaps especially your selections and their ordering.

I can't wait to hear you play again.  All the best...

Bill Wieting - Trinity Episcopal, York ME

"These hauntingly beautiful reimaginations of familiar and favorite hymns remain faithful to the original composer’s work, while inviting listeners to hear them with fresh ears." - Rev. Brad Hirst, Kittery ME

"Time and Mercy was the perfect addition to our musical and liturgical offerings this past Lenten season. Mike and Chris are true professionals who managed to both capture the reverence of well-worn hymns and breathe new life into familiar melodies. Our congregation was thoroughly impressed with Mike and Chris' musicianship, wam presence, and interactive presentation that perfectly fit the season. We can't wait to have them visit our church again!" - Alicia Phelps, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church

Musicians Mike Effenberger (piano) and Chris Klaxton (trumpet) have a long history of performing together in a variety of contexts and styles - improvisation being central to nearly every project.

As gigging jazz musicians holding long-standing positions as UCC church choir directors, both Mike and Chris have found a host of spirituals and hymns to be as fertile a landscape for rearrangement and improvisation as any American Songbook standard.

Time and Mercy creates a sacred space all its own by embracing traditional religious music through a range of styles native to gospel, jazz, and the avant garde.

Time and Mercy is available for performances OR performance / lecture presentations, discussing the history of improvisation in the church, the intersection of the sacred and secular, Black American Music, and the duo's musical arranging process.

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