cream earl grey

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Quintet

2023

Alto Saxophone

Double Bass

Piano

Vibraphone

Violin

Program Notes: Cream Earl Grey is a type of Earl Grey (a black tea) that’s more mellow with a delicious creamy taste, velvet mouth feel with vanilla overtones and floral notes. My local tea shop in Wichita, KS sources their Cream Earl Grey made with dried cornflower although this tea can also be made with dried lavender. cream earl grey is a look into my morning tea routine. From pulling the tea out of the cabinet to taking my first sip, my 5 senses are completely enveloped in the tea making process: the delightfully overwhelming floral aroma of the tea when I open the container, the chime of the kettle when the water has reached a rapid boil, the change from clear to amber after a 5 minute steep which then turns to a creamy amber after I’ve stirred in milk and honey, the warmth against my palms and fingertips as I get comfortable with the mug in my hands, the taste of honey and vanilla and cornflower after the first sip, and so on and so forth. While some parts of the tea making process are dramatic and others are subtle, they all contribute to a beautiful cup of tea and a wonderful start to my day.
Recording Notes: Recorded live at Bang on a Can Summerfest 2023
Performer Credits: Jacob Nance (Alto saxophone), Dylan Ofrias (Vibraphone), Madeline Hildebrand (Piano), Elicia Neo (Violin), Gregg August (Double bass)