The Manchester-based composer and pianist discusses her album 'Every Journey,' where she employs a newly expanded ensemble to present intricate musical narratives inspired by trailblazing women explorers.
------------------
Today, the Spotlight shines On Claire Cope. This British composer crafts music that combines the freedom of jazz with the precision of classical music, drawing inspiration from women whose stories are often overlooked in history books.
Caire’s new album Every Journey dropped in March to coincide with International Women's Day. On it, she expanded her original septet to an 11-piece band, giving her more colors to paint with as she tells stories of female explorers and their brave first steps.
Claire’s writing has been described as “beautiful and reflective,” earning praise for how she creates space for each musician to shine within these rich musical landscapes.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Ensemble C’s album Every Journey)
------------------
00:01:20 - Formative Training and Early Composition
00:03:47 - Philosophical Views on Improvisation and Composition
00:08:06 - Classical vs. Jazz Training at Royal Northern College of Music
00:15:26 - The Evolution of Conservatory Programs
00:15:47 - "Every Journey" and International Women's Day
00:18:13 - Musical Manifestations of Female Explorer Stories
00:22:07 - Program Music and Musical Storytelling
00:23:35 - Influence of Michael Brecker's "Wide Angles"
00:27:10 - Expanding Ensemble C to an 11-Piece Group
00:28:52 - Creating Space for Individual Musicians
00:31:31 - Maria Schneider's Influence
00:33:35 - Collaboration with Vocalist Brigitte Beraha
00:38:11 - Compositional Challenges of "Every Journey"
00:39:24 - From Composition to Performance
00:41:15 - Future Compositional Ambitions
00:42:47 - Claire's Current Listening Recommendations
------------------
Visit Claire Cope's official website at https://clairecopemusic.com
Listen to Claire Cope's Ensemble C on Bandcamp → https://ensemblec.bandcamp.com
Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/every-journey-ensemble-c-feat-claire-cope-ant-law-brigitte-beraha-matt-carmichael/n8il3q5u829bb
and your streaming platform of choice → https://album.link/i/1784460684
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
Be sure to check out The Tonearm, our new magazine site featuring fascinating perspectives and conversations with creative people → https://www.thetonearm.com
The Tonearm on Mastodon → https://social.lol/@thetonearm
The Tonearm on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/thetonearm.com
The Tonearm on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tonearm
------------------
• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.
• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter.
#Podcast #ClaireCope #ContemporaryJazz #BritishComposer #EnsembleC #FemaleComposers #EveryJourney #JazzComposition #SpotlightOn