Review of Centrifuge CD: The Music of Charles L. Booker, Jr.

Centra-fuge will introduce the listener to the compositions of Charles L. Booker, Jr. The New Mexico State University Symphonic Winds give a very respectable performance to his music. The title piece (an homage to Hank Levy and Don Ellis) is definitely a centrifuge in sound, rhythm, & energy. The recording also features American Dances, Carillon Celebration, and Symphony No. 1 “Prophecy”. Of special interest is The Rough Rider: Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt; only one word describes this work-BULLY!! Booker’s music shows an influence of jazz and pop styles blended with symphonic prowess. A most interesting recording you should look into.

by Ira Novoselsky