E A R T H T O N E S T R I O
“A superb ensemble…Earthtones Trio really are excellent”
Alexander Armstrong, Classic FM
“Lush, modern and brilliantly accessible.”
BBC Radio Scotland
“… complex yet intimate…sophisticated cool meets seasonal cheer… irrepressible charm with ne’er a cliched moment…pure class and imagined pleasures…”
Ken Walton, Vox Carnyx
Alongside Stevenson on piano, Earthtones Trio features internationally acclaimed Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) principal flautist Katherine Bryan and cellist Betsy Taylor. Harnessing the melodic gifts of these outstanding soloists, (Bryan was voted one of the top 6 flute players in the world by BBC Music Magazine) Stevenson writes both melodic original compositions and novel arrangements of festive hymns. Blending elements of classical, jazz and folk music traditions to create a refreshingly modern chamber musicsound, Earthtones Trio’s music has been described as “an uplifting counter blast to these dismal times.” (Jim Gilchrist, The Scotsman).
Classic FM and BBC Radio Scotland first championed the trio’s music in December 2019 with the video release of Stevenson’s haunting arrangement of the ancient hymn of Advent, O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Further novel re-imaginings of evergreen festive favourites such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Holy Night and We Three Kings followed in addition to the modal ‘Air in D Minor’, a piece which captures the natural beauty of some of the remotest landscapes of Stevenson’s native Scotland.
Commissioned by Chamber Music Scotland and and Classic Music Live, in 2022 Earthtones Trio premiered a suite of 9 original compositions by Stevenson entitled Sound Tracks, a musical celebration of the history and rebirth of Falkirk in the form of a musical love letter to the composer’s home town. Stevenson describes the music as “cinematic and autobiographical in the sense that it is a soundtrack to accompany my own memories of the people and places that shaped my childhood but it is also a celebration of both the rich history and the fascinating recent cultural landmarks of this area”.
Inspired by the world famous landmark The Falkirk Wheel, Wheel Slowly Turning is the lead track from the album Sound Tracks which is available as a limited addition CD and due for digital release on Earth Day, April 2024, on iOcco Classical.
O Come O Come Emmanuel
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O’ Holy Night
We Three Kings
Air In D Minor
