Songs and Symphoniques: The Music of Moondog is a collaboration album between Kronos Quartet and Ghost Train Orchestra reimagining the music of American classical composer Louis Hardin, AKA Moondog. Several songs are arranged by Ghost Train Orchestra members and the album features a cast of guest vocalists.
Background Leading up to the album's release were the release of two singles; "High on a Rocky Ledge" (feat. Marissa Nadler) and "Why Spend a Dark Night with You?" (feat. Joan as Police Woman)
Critical reception The album won the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Award) 2024 Annual Award presented to ten outstanding music and spoken word productions.
Track listing
Personnel
Ghost Train Orchestra Brian Carpenter – trumpet, vocals, arranger, producer Curtis Hasselbring – trombone, arranger Ron Caswell – tuba Andy Laster – alto saxophone, flute, arranger Matt Bauder – tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, arranger Colin Stetson – bass saxophone Dennis Lichtman – clarinet Sara Schoenbeck – bassoon Brandon Seabrook – guitar Chris Lightcap – double bass, bass guitar Rob Garcia – drums, percussion David Cossin – marimba, percussion Maxim Moston – violin, arranger
Kronos Quartet David Harrington – violin John Sherba – violin Hank Dutt – viola Sunny Yang – cello
Featured Artists Moondog – composer Rufus Wainwright – vocals Marissa Nadler – vocals Joan Wasser – vocals Karen Mantler – vocals, harmonica Jarvis Cocker – vocals Petra Haden – vocals Sam Amidon – vocals, banjo Aoife O'Donovan – vocals
Engineering Zach Miley – engineer Aaron Nevezi – engineer Marc Urselli – engineer John Kilgore – mix engineer Brian Montgomery – mix engineer Bob Ludwig – master engineer
References