This charming album consisting of original compositions by Gerard Satamian was recorded at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It received a grant from Socan (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada). Here is what the critic of Socan wrote in their monthly magazine about Dry Fig Trees (named after a gorgeous painting by Armenian painter Vartan Tashdjian): "The works featured on this album are clearly of a Middle Eastern flavour, notable for their modal scales and nostalgic mood. His nine 'Chansons sans paroles' are lovingly played by clarinetist Francois Houle with Gerard Satamian at the piano, while the composer is on his own in two excerpts from his Suite Lyrique. Warm, approachable and innocent music." Words & Music

Francois Houle (Clarinetist on Dry Fig Trees)
Francois Houle's energetic performances are bridging the gap between the new music and improvisation. He went to McGill University in Montreal where he received his bachelor of music degree and graduated with a Masters degree from the Yale school of music. He also spent two years in residence at the Banff Centre for the arts. His great interest in contemporary music has led him to perform under the direction of Bruce Mather, Mauricio Kagel, Arthur Weisberg, Toru Takemitsa and Yannis Xenakis, among others.

Since moving to Vancouver in 1990, Houle has established itself as a strong new voice on the Canadian creative music scene. Recent performances include all Western Canadian gas festivals, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Festival de Music Actuelle de Victoriaville, new music across America, time flies, and Seattle World Jazz Festival. He has also dedicated much of his time composing for his own critically acclaimed group Francois Houle Et Cetera.

1. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Pastorale
2. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Humoresque
3. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Romance
4. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Melodie printaniere
5. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Berceuse
6. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Serenade
7. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Valse-Scherzo
8. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Elegie
9. Chansons sans paroles (1989) op. 2 Bolero
10. Suite Lyrique (1994) op.4 Caprice No.1
11. Suite Lyrique (1994) op.4 Orientale No.2

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 6/7/2004
Gerard Satamian lives in British Columbia Canada

Tagged as: Classical, World, Neoclassical, Contemporary, Instrumental Classical, Clarinet, Classical Piano

1. Music of Fernando Sor by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
2. Meditative Guitar by Jeff Wahl: acoustic new age and jazz guitar.
3. Bach Cello Suites on 8 String Guitar by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
4. Ravel on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
5. Debussy on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
6. The Christmas Album by AlmaNova: lively flute/guitar duo
7. Holiday Frost by Cari Live: thoughtful expressions through intelligent new age
8. 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime by Steve Eulberg: smile-inducing, toe-tapping folkgrass
9. 4 by Jasmine Brunch: a secret garden of lucid musical dreams
10. Beethoven Piano and Cello Works by Tanya Tomkins and Eric Zivian: Beethoven Piano and Cello Works
11. Music of Waters by Shira Kammen: early folk and celtic music.
12. The Three Noble Strains by Tim Rayborn: Medieval and Middle Eastern music
13. Dreaming by Emma Wallace: angst-free modern ragtime
14. Reicha Fugues on Guitar by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
15. Playing with Silence by Jeff Wahl: acoustic new age and jazz guitar.
16. Angelorum - The Harps in the Trees by Cheryl Ann Fulton: World-class performer and teacher of Medieval, Baroque, Welsh triple, Celtic and Concert harps.
17. Harper's Brew by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
18. In Their Footsteps by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
19. The Twisting of the Rope by Aryeh Frankfurter: Timeless and enchanting folk music for the soul
20. Lisa Lynne and the Elfin Love Tribe, Instrumental Songs of Good Cheer by Lisa Lynne: Inspirational, uplifting, gentle, and soothing Celtic harp, World flutes, guitar and more.

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