Lara Downes’ Deeply Personal Collection of American Music: A Path to Hope

This Land is a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history, from Pianist Lara Downes. An artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path. This is her 4th release at NativeDSD following earlier albums America Again and Love At Last.

Pianist Lara Downes celebrates the beauty of the American experiment while offering an unflinching acknowledgement of its flaws and failings, ultimately embracing the power of hope and humanity as a pathway to finding common ground and building a brighter future. Featuring music composed by Paul Simon, Edmar Colón, Arturo O’Farrill, Jake Heggie, Kian Ravaei, Joe Phillips, Michael Begay, Jeremy Siskind and Noah Luna.

At the heart of this deeply personal collection is Edmar Colón’s radical new reimagining of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, celebrating the centenary of its premiere while reflecting on an American century of immigration and transformation. It features Edwin Outwater conducting the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra and the Great Wall Chinese Orchestra along with Lara Downes, Edmar Colon, Jeriel Sanjurjo and John Santos.

The album also features America composed by Paul Simon and 900 Miles with Lara Downes and Dave McKeon on Banjo.

This Land is Exclusively Available in Stereo DSD 512, DSD 256, DSD 128 and DSD 64 at NativeDSD.

Lara Downes, Piano

Guest Artists
Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined
Edmar Colón, Soprano Saxophone
Edwin Outwater, Conductor
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra
Jeriel Sanjurjo, Afro-Caribbean Percussion
John Santos, Batá and Afro-Caribbean Percussion
Great Wall Chinese Orchestra

900 Miles
Dave McKeon, Banjo