“New works, new classics arise replacing older works as reference points. Such a work is Sasha Matson’s Steel Chords, I-5, These works for pedal steel guitar, harp and strings are models of contemporary classical music.” – Mark Sulveres, WSPN– Saratoga Springs.

“RECORD OF THE YEAR…the mature, intelligent, and exciting pair of works ( Steel Chords, i-5 ) included in this stunningly recorded album…a significant new classical composer.” – Robert Reina, The Absolute Sound.

“At this stage of his career, Matson seems to be the best kind of innovator- one who works from the inside, with an excellent balance of knowledge, respect, and fresh ideas.” – Bill Tilland, Option.

“MATSON IS THE SURPRISE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR…Stravinskian vigor as well as unabashed Coplandy folksiness … his forms are thoughtful and unpredictable.” – Kyle Gann, The Village Voice.

“For an audiophile, this recording is pure heaven. Likewise for Sasha Matson’s music. It is sensual, evocative, picturesque, challenging, lyrical, and passionate …. a homespun country twang that makes this music about as American as anything I can think of.” – Tom Schnabel, KCRW – NPR, Santa Monica.

Tracklist

Steel Chords -Triple Concerto for Pedal Steel Guitar, Violins And Strings

1 I. Steel Chords 7:40

2 II. Steel Songs 6:04

3 III. Steel Dances 6:25

i-5: String Quintet and Harp

4 I. Windmills 7:24

5 II. Slaughterhouse 8:57

6 III. Lost Near Bakersfield 4:28

7 IV. Grapevine 9:53

8 V. City Limits 10:14

Credits

Bass – Bruce Morgenthaler

Cello – Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick

Conductor, Composed By – Sasha Matson

Engineer – Michael C. Ross, Rail Rogut

Harp – Amy Shulman

Mastered By – Bernie Grundman

Pedal Steel Guitar – Doug Livingston (tracks: 1,2,3)

Producer – Joe Harley

Viola – Ray Tischer

Violin – Cindy Moussas (tracks: 1,2,3), Joel Derouin (tracks: 1,2,3), Maria Newman, Peter Kent 

Notes: This is a pure analog recording. The Tracks were recorded "live" to two track.