Title: Catching Clouds
Release Date: April 17, 2026
"In Catching Clouds, Jennifer Bellor masterfully bridges her deep classical roots with the fluid spontaneity of jazz. From the immediate, magical pull of the piano to the progressive fusion of the saxophone and bowed vibraphone, this album is more than a recording—it is a vivid narrative of sound and color. Bellor and her ensemble have crafted a contemporary masterwork that feels as much like an unfolding stage play as it does a sophisticated musical suite."
Jennifer
Bellor holds degrees from Eastman School of Music (PhD), Syracuse University
(MM), and Cornell University (BA). She is Assistant Professor of Music
Composition at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she is Artistic
Director of the contemporary music series, Nextet.
Her sixth recording is Catching Clouds.
As “Cloudbreak” begins, there is an immediacy in the music; your attention is brought to it instantly. The piano sounds magical and inviting, and as the music unfolds, it feels like you are joining the story being told. The added elements to Jennifer’s lovely piano notes add another layer. I felt the drama of the music as the clouds in my mind broke apart and drifted off. The classical foundation of this music and the transitory nature of clouds are mirrored by the music.
“Serpentine Arroyo” begins with a clarinet and piano joining forces. Its length is second only to the closing track at 7:48. The track title suggests a pattern and movement, and as you listen, that is exactly what takes shape. The Spanish word arroyo means brook or is described as a dry watercourse that fills after sufficient rain. So, there you have the merging of the two words. The water moves and traverses the land, and if you look at it flowing from above, it certainly can look like a snake. The vibraphone also has a role in this composition, tying into the piano’s movements and changes. As the composition builds, it sounds like a beautiful orchestra of sound and color. The dry course cut out by the previous flow of water is the empty space now filled with music, which is symbolically the rain.
“Cirrus” is the shortest track at 2:57. I thought it was interesting how it was placed after the complexity of the previous track and run time. Its gentle notes glide off Jennifer’s fingers as if to say, “It’s a short intermission for reflection before going back into a more complex composition once again.” Its poignancy is not overlooked, and its importance cannot be overstated.
“Effervescence” lives up to its name at the outset, as the clarinet sounds joyful and the vibraphone is heard in the background with gentle tones, then comes in with more emphasis, however gently as it progresses. This interplay focuses only on these two instruments as the piano takes a breather before returning. This was a big step in a different direction, offering the listener a different view of Bryan Conger (clarinet) and James Doyle (vibraphone) and their capabilities.
“Querencia” is a metaphysical concept in Spanish. The term comes from the Spanish verb "querer," which means to want, to desire, and to love. This is another lengthy exercise in musical adaptations. What I felt was the drama of a stage play or opera unfolding. The piano, clarinet, and vibraphone merge into one continuous flow of imagery and conception within your mind’s eye. The beauty and mystery presented in the music capture one’s imagination. There is an underlying sexual tension coalescing, as the track’s title suggests.
With “Cloudline,” once again, the music shifts, and this time, Shawna Pennock and the alto saxophone make their presence known. The entire mood and atmosphere take another turn as the flavors of jazz take hold and the elements of classical dissolve. Also, the “bowed” vibraphone, which produces an entirely different sound that you have not heard, weaves in and out of the sax notes. As the song moves along, it feels more like progressive jazz fusion than a straightforward jazz track. My thoughts turned to what Miles Davis did in his electric years.
“Volutus” returns with the solo piano taking the spotlight, albeit for a shorter run, but with a flowing, gorgeous melody and an intermittent, powerful bass note for a darker texture. Short and sweet yet powerful and beautifully executed.
“Drift Into Midnight” brings back the entrance of the clarinet to the forefront as the piano quietly enters the mix. The vibraphone also comes into focus here, introduced very gently. As the composition progresses, each instrument becomes more prominent in the mix, both in volume and in colorful accents. The clarinet branches off into a solo for a short time, then the vibraphone accentuates that, and the piano has the same effect. I found it compelling how the clarinet took the lead at several points and held its authority throughout.
The title track, “Catching Clouds,” is a marvelous goodbye to the listener, just over eight minutes in length. This is a musical statement from all four positions, creating their own ensemble. The piano is melodious and beautiful as the clarinet and vibraphone play off each other with the precision of two in sync timepieces. After about 3+ minutes, the saxophone arrives with grace and beauty, completing the magic of the entire unit and merging into a sound that would make any orchestra conductor smile from the inside out. All the different aspects of their music fall together, classical and jazz fuse to form a wall of sound and excellence that brings the entire recording to a crescendo of sound and color, fitting their many talents. This is a piece that would be amazing in concert and bring an audience to their feet upon completion.
Catching Clouds stands as a masterwork of contemporary instrumental music, seamlessly rooted in the classical tradition while boldly venturing into jazz. Jennifer Bellor and her ensemble showcase exceptional musicianship, their artistry evident in every moment. Each track is thoughtfully crafted, presenting a unique experience and inviting the listener to discover new layers with every listen.
Credits:
JENNIFER
BELLOR, Piano
BRYAN
CONGER, Clarinet
SHAWNA
PENNOCK, Alto Saxophone
JAMES DOYLE, Vibraphone
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
May 5, 2026
Originally Published: March 2026
Tracks:
1. Cloudbreak (James Doyle and Jennifer Bellor)
2. Serpentine Arroyo (Bryan Conger, James Doyle, and Jennifer Bellor)
3. Cirrus (Jennifer Bellor, piano improvisation)
4. Effervescence (Bryan Conger and James Doyle)
5. Querencia (James Doyle, Bryan Conger, and Jennifer Bellor)
6. Cloudline (Shawna Pennock and James Doyle)
7. Volutus (Jennifer Bellor)
8. Drift Into Midnight (Bryan Conger, James Doyle, and Jennifer Bellor)
9. Catching Clouds (Bryan Conger, Shawna Pennock, James Doyle, and Jennifer Bellor
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