Composer Stephen Hartke is acclaimed for his lyricism, rhythmic inventiveness, and above all, the direct emotional connection with his audiences. His Clarinet Concerto exuberantly reflects West Africa, his New York roots, and the tradition of the Delta blues. Recorded here for the first time, these compositions span the austere beauty of the American Southwest, the imaginary landscape of Gradūs in jazz, and a bustling portrait of Los Angeles. Linked by a sense of place, and here performed by the acclaimed IRIS Chamber Orchestra, these works are a brilliant contribution by one of the most singular voices in American music today.