How do you turn a soaring bird into music?
How do you make a melody swell and ebb and flow like waves?
Such conundrums are integral to the music of guitarist Rick Cyge (pronounced SIG-GY) and flutist Lynn Trombetta as the duo Meadowlark. Being in tune with nature is no cliché for these two thought-provoking instrumentalists. Rick’s intricately orchestrated compositions evoke natural images for a reason. "Music is a way of relating to things we’ve almost forgotten because we’re going too fast," explains his partner Lynn. "People are losing their connections with nature and with each other." Meadowlark goes beyond the bustling modern world to seek out reflective and restorative experiences that can be shared through music. A hovering hawk takes shape through string tapping on Rick’s prized Lowden and Larrivee guitars. Californian surf resonates in the warm and mellow tones of Lynn’s soprano flute. Diverse influences from classical, folk, Celtic and contemporary jazz genres make each track of their albums distinctive. Studio contributions of world percussion, violin, and keyboard add to the rich arrangements.
"Like stringing beads" is how Rick describes his process of threading together inspiration, experience and experiment until images and themes are bonded into a finished composition. "Creativity doesn’t happen when I try to force it," he says. "It happens when I’m at peace, with no agenda." Sometimes compositions flow almost effortlessly from daily life, such as "Timeless Journey," culled from a carefree concert tour. "Neither one of us had brought our watches," Rick remembers, "and it became a metaphor for the trip. It was very freeing." Pieces can even emerge spontaneously. "Dancing With Angels" is a case in point, composed before an audience in a moment of inspiration. For Meadowlark, the mystery of inspiration gives meaning to life. "The music is the vehicle that allows us to share a sense of creativity and spirituality and connect with other people," Rick says.
Piano was Rick’s first instrument -- learned initially in the lap of his grandmother who encouraged him at an early age by giving him her piano. Rick’s subsequent years of study developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the elements of composition, harmony and counterpoint.
For Arizona native, Lynn, music and art were, from an early age, the creative expression that flowed freely from her connection to nature. A childhood home on a lake in Northern California and summers spent playing her flute and pennywhistle in the canyons of Oak Creek in Sedona, deepened this connection that was, as she states, "the fuel that fed the fire."
Rick and Lynn found their connection with each other in 1991 while working together at the
Scottsdale Center for the Arts in Arizona. Rick, a veteran musician with roots in the folk scene around Boston, Massachusetts, discovered his love of Celtic music was shared by Lynn. In 1993, Rick was given the opportunity to perform weekly at an outdoor cafe, The Farm at South Mountain, in a beautiful pecan orchard. Lynn joined him on several tunes and the response to the music the two created together was so universal that the owner insisted they do the weekly performance as a duo. The concept for Meadowlark was airborne.
The cover art for Meadowlark’s first album, "Dance of the Sandpiper"
is an oil painting
produced by Lynn. "Art has been as important in my life
as the music," she explains. "It doesn’t matter what you wrap it in;
art, music, gardening, as long as you can reach that part of yourself where all
things are connected."
In 1997, Meadowlark released "Spirit of the Season" in response to the many requests from audiences who had experienced the duo’s Celtic beginnings. Not just another holiday album, this winter solstice collection includes no "Christmas" music, but instead focuses in on lush, soulful melodies that truly capture the essence and romance of this very special time of year.
"Legend of the Land", Meadowlark’s third album in less than three years was released in 1999. This, their finest to date is a beautiful tribute to "the raw, natural beauty that still whispers to us from behind the drone of the city and the veil of activity that we know as modern life."
"FreeFall" is Meadowlark's fourth offering of largely original compositions showcasing their signature sound. Recorded in Tempe, AZ, FreeFall was co-produced and engineered by well-respected Clarke Rigsby (whose engineering and producing credits include projects with Paul McCartney, Doc Severinsen, The Four Tops, and Glen Campbell). Cyge and Trombetta are joined in "FreeFall" by some of Arizona's finest instrumentalists. Artists include Frank Smith on soprano sax and keys, Ron Rutowski, violin, Kenny Skaggs, dobro, Mario Mendivil on fretless bass, Todd Chuba on drums and percussion, and Tim Ponzek, piano, Allen Ames, violin, Andy Baade, keyboards, and world percussionist, Joe Garcia.
In 2002, Meadowlark released a retrospective compilation entitled, "Beyond Words". This recording features over an hour of music from the previous four releases.
Meadowlark's , "Windy & Warm ...a journey home" (November 2005) is an intimate recording that explores Cyge's folk roots.
Their most recent release, "A Silent Night" is a long-awaited collection of their unique interpretations of classic holiday favorites including a tribute to their 'mentors', Nightnoise.
It’s no surprise to learn that Meadowlark’s influences include some of the most talented writers and arrangers in contemporary music, including Nightnoise, Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel, Montreux, James Taylor and Algerian-born French guitarist Pierre Bensusan. "Listening to Pierre and what he got out of that guitar in open tuning opened up a new world for me," Rick says, "and I’ve not been the same since."
Listen to the music of Meadowlark and you’ll know the feeling.
E-mail us at webmail@meadowlarkmusic.com
Photo by Jim Spencer
"Dance of the Sandpiper" painting by Lynn Trombetta copyright 1996
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