This Land

This Land is a probing, nuanced reflection on the kaleidoscopic diversity of stories and journeys that have converged and collided throughout American history, from an artist renowned for her musical explorations off the beaten path. 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. 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.

An iconoclast and trailblazer, Lara Downes’ dynamic work as a sought-after soloist, a Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, a producer, curator, arts activist and advocate positions her as a cultural visionary on the national arts scene. She was honored as 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today. She returns to PENTATONE after her 2023 album Love at Last.

William Benton Overstreet (1888-1935) , George Gershwin (1898-1937) , Paul Simon (b. 1941) , Michael Begay (21st Century) , Kian Ravaei (21st century) , Joseph C. Phillips jr (21st century) , Jake Heggie (b. 1961)

• William Benton Overstreet: There'll be some Changes made
  +George Gershwin / Edmar Colon: Rhapsody in Blue reimagined
  +Paul Simon: America
  +Michael Begay: Adeihozhdilzin / Know who you are
  +Kian Ravaei: This Land is your Land-Variations
  +Traditional: 900 Miles
  +Joseph C. Phillips jr: Never has been yet
  +Aruto O'Farrill: Kaleidoscope
  +Jake Heggie: Facing forward
  +Lara Downes: Liner Notes Essay