Saint Paul-based composer ANN MILLIKAN, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, received her MFA in Composition from CalArts where her mentors were Mel Powell, Morton Subotnick, and Stephen L. Mosko, and her BA in Music–Jazz Concentration (jazz piano, voice, composition) from San Jose State University. She has studied West African percussion from Ghana and Senegal, and with family living in Brazil, has been deeply influenced by Brazilian music from an early age.
Ann Millikan's debut album is a remarkably dynamic, diverse collection of compositions written especially for the California EAR Unit – a.k.a. the "wizards of new music" (LA Daily News). A fete for EAR Unit fans, this is music that shows off the virtuosity and versatility these musicians are known for. What quickly stands out is Millikan's complex use of rhythm, which without a doubt has a taproot drawing on her background in jazz, African and Brazilian music. Polyrhythmic textures are the propelling force in these works, and her angular lines and quirky phrasing surprise and intrigue. As Millikan tells it, "My teacher Mel Powell – also a former jazz pianist – continually encouraged me to keep my jazz knowledge alive in my music, and I always have."
THE MUSIC OF ANN MILLIKAN
FEATURING THE CALIFORNIA EAR UNIT
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PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH ANN MILLIKAN
ALIVE and COMPOSING - Ann Millikan, March 24, 2008
Ann has migrated from California to Minnesota and now straddles the yin and yang of that fact in her music and life. Her music is neither earthquake-prone nor frozen but it has tension, drama and color. Throw in a little Brazil and the hot performances of the California EAR Unit and you have a recipe for music that will make you dance through the snowy woods in your shorts.
NEW PUBLICATION
Notations 21 - HOUSE OF MIRRORS II: Saxophone has been included in an anthology of innovative musical notation.
