A sweet bluegrass Christmas ballad through the eyes of Mary. Featuring Matthew Gelfer (fiddle, guitar), Brian Herrick (mandolin), Annie Shaver (cello), and P.J. Shaver (tuba). Words, music and vocals by Sarah Knight.

HOW CAN THIS BE? 
(4/4 / G major / 72 bpm)

G                                                        G7
Good evening, stars, and goodnight rain
                     C                 
I now know why the heavens sang
                   G                       D  
Many have tried to tell the tale
               C                Em
The miracle behind the veil

G /  D /   C

G                   G7               
How can this be?
                          C              C7  
How could love happen to me?
            G                    Em
I carry light from the stars
                            D      G
While wise men sleep afar

G /  D /   C

                         G                               G7
Good evening, stars, and good night moon
                     C              
I know why joy leapt in her womb
              G                              D
how the angels clapped their hands
                    C                     Em
And suddenly the world began

G /  D /   C

G                    G7
How can this be?
                          C              C7
How could love happen to me?
            G                    Em
I carry light from the stars
                            D       G
While wise men sleep afar

G /  D /   C  /  G


How Can This Be?

David Pearson, soprano saxophone - Britton Matthews, vibraphone - Ashley Bathgate, Cello
Delicate Structures was commissioned by David Pearson
From the program notes:
When David asked me to write a piece for him, the current instrumentation immediately came to my mind. The geometry of a trio combined with the differences in timbres was very inspiring. Besides, the versatility of the soprano saxophone was also something that attracted me immensely: at a crossroad between flute, oboe and clarinet, its rich timbre has haunted me for years.
Delicate Structures is based on a highly melodic/rhythmic theme and its counterpoint. The theme appears out of nowhere in a modified form and is then being stated in its original form by the soprano saxophone, the cello and the vibraphone. An alternation of repetitive cells brings the piece to a climax before the theme disappears as a thin texture fills the sonic space. 
Stylistically, I would like to say that the esthetic is quite “urban” –even if I could hardly explain why! The music also owes a lot to composers such as Michael Nyman and Marc Mellits. 



Delicate Structures

Artsy Brooklyn-based songwriter-producer interested in co-writes, collaborations, beats, and camps. Masters in Songwriting from NYU Steindhardt ('23). Chops: smart song concepts & lyrics, catchy melodies, harmony vox in a heartbeat, cool arrangements, brass expertise, classically trained French hornist and pianist. Fluent in musical notation/theory/ear-training. Proficient in Logic Pro X; open to learning other DAWs.

Entering my dance/pop/electronic/experimental era---aspiring Bjork. Raised on marching band, Southern gospel, shape note, a cappella hymns, bluegrass, and 70s/90s acoustic songwriting greats.

How Can This Be?

Scarlet K Brazie

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Steven Swartz, composer

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