The official home of eclectic singer-songwriter and composer, Rick McAlister - Rick McAlister - News

New music in the new year

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

I've been in hibernation mode this winter, recording a new track every week or two. Two of these works are now in the music section -- "Diddley Squat," a blues rock piece, and "Sugar Rush," a Moby-esque work for strings and synthesizers. Enjoy!

A Track A Week to Close Out 2011

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Once again this year, I will be adding a new piece to the site each week during the months of November and December. It's my Christma-Hanu-Kwanza-kuh gift to you!

First up, enjoy a new piece for full orchestra with jazz ensemble -- How It Sounds Inside My Head.

New Orchestral Suite Now Online

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

This week, I completed Mediterranea, my first multi-movement orchestral work in many years. With a title that means "between lands," the four sections draw from a variety of inspirations and styles. (From a colorful waltz to an army on the move).

Some of the ideas in this work have been in my head for 10 years -- it's so nice to record them finally and share! Visit the music page for mp3's of each piece.

New Works Now Online!

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Greetings from Rochester, NY, where I am back at work after moving to my new home! So far this summer, I've completed 6 new works for a range of genres, including jazz/funk band, solo piano, and full orchestra. Watch for samples and more news in the coming weeks!

A New City in the New Year!

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Greetings from Rochester, New York-- my new home! I moved here at the beginning of February and am slowly getting settled. I'm looking forward to checking out everything the city has to offer, especially the Eastman School of Music!

I'm taking a break from studio work at the moment, but there are still plenty of new pieces to share with you. Check out the most recent addition, Piano Mood No. 3 in a minor, in the chamber music section!

Happy holidays!

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Thank you to the 9,000 visitors who have dropped by over the past year! As we celebrate the holidays and the new year, enjoy three more new selections: Finally (Jazz), Nightscape (Orchestral), and Around We Go (Blues).

Celebrate the season with a free CD!

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0800

For the month of December 2010, purchase one copy of any CD via Paypal and get a second one free! Click the "buy" button for the link!

Ahoy, Matey!

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

This week's new release is an instrumental rock track called Pirate Rock. I wrote it several years ago, perhaps subliminally inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. Enjoy!

New chamber music added!

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

This week's new releases on www.rickmcalister.com include two more intimate pieces: Lullaby by an Insomniac, written for string trio, and Piano Mood No. 1 in f minor, written for solo piano.

The tentative subtitle for the piano piece is "I've Only Had My Heart Broken Once That Mattered." I still haven't decided whether to keep that phrase -- sometimes I love an evocative title, and sometimes I would rather leave more open to the listener's interpretation. Let me know what you think.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for listening!

New orchestral works added!

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800

For this week's new selections, I have uploaded three pieces for full orchestra. Visit the music page and enjoy Soaring, Hero's Theme, and Fanfare for My Demons.

Remember to check back each week between now and the holidays for more new works!