New mp3's Now Available for Download!!!

Jessica recently had the privilege to record for BSX Records two themes for flute and guitar arranged by good friend and exceptional guitarist, Gregg Nestor. They are both available on Amazon and iTunes for immediate download!

Theme from the Motion Picture Cross Creek music by L. Rosenman (click here)

The Inner Light from Star Trek: The Next Generation music by J. Chattaway (click here)

Link on iTunes!

Photos and reviews from ASTO Concert

Please enjoy these photos from our recent concert at the ASTO museum in Los Angeles. Thanks to everyone who came...it was a fun night especially with our guest artists, Matt Hilly on cajon!

We were grateful to the Pasadena Classical Music Meet-up Group who also attended. Read what they had to say about our performance:

"Terrific married duo of flute and guitar--energetic, heartfelt, refined playing. And the repertoire was eclectic but focused on stylized dance, from Piazzolla to Ravel to Bosnian and Macedonian music." - A.D.

"Guitarist Almer Imamovic's and his flutist wife Jessica Pierce's marvelous mastery of their instruments was beautifully demonstrated in pieces they played by Astor Piazzolla, Maurice Ravel and Jacques Ibert. In the second half, they---along with percussionist Matt Hilly---dazzled the audience with pieces (love songs and dances) from Bosnia and Macedonia, beautifully arranged or composed by Almer. The audience was captivated. It was a concert well-worth attending. To sample some of the award-winning duo's eclectic music visit www.almanovaduo.com" -M.E.

AlmaNova performs at ASTO Museum of Art in Los Angeles on January 30th at 7:30pm

FREE music-just press play!

After Hours by AlmaNova

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Spotlight on Kenny Hill Guitars

In the past few months I have received many emails inquiring about my guitar. Therefore, I thought I would take the time to introduce you to one of the best American luthiers, Mr. Kenny Hill. I have been playing my stand-up model Kenny Hill for the past two years and have fallen in love with it. It suits me very well because of its beautiful and well-balanced sound. It is very easy to play, has a comfortable neck, and since it is a double-top, it responses quickly making live performance very enjoyable. I like this stand-up model because I had back surgery a few years ago. This makes practicing much easier and relieves tension in my back. It is also aesthetically better for our duo, putting both Jessica and I on the same level.

For more info about Kenny and his fantastic instruments click here. He also has a great blog with a lot of valuable information about guitar-related subjects.

Enjoy the photos of Kenny and I and my guitar!

Standing Ovation in Bosnian National Theater!

Enjoy these photos from our latest tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We played concerts in Zenica, Tuzla and finished our tour with a great concert in the National Theatre in Sarajevo. Almer was a guest of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences and performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for a national live television broadcast. For an encore, AlmaNova performed 'Jamilla's Dance' and brought the entire audience of 800 to their feet. Special thanks to Eldin and the BHAAAS, the Sarajevo Philharmonic and the city and people of Sarajevo, Zenica and Tuzla for a great reception and wonderful memories that will stay with us always.

AlmaNova with the Queen of Sevdah music Maestra Hanka Paldum in Sarajevo!

We had the pleasure and honor to meet the reigning Queen of Sevdalinka (Bosnian folk music) Maestra Hanka Paldum in Sarajevo after our concert with Sarajevo Philhamonic. It was quite a surprise to have her in the audience. We were thrilled to know she loved our concert and performance of 'Jamilla's Dance'. In this piece, Almer quotes one of the most beloved sevdalinka called 'Emina'.

More news to follow about our great musical adventures in Bosnia representing the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS).

Almer performs Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" with Sarajevo Philharmonic conducted by Philip Simmons

Summer Memories....

Well, today is the day that finally feels like the summer has come to an end in L.A..  We woke up this morning to a beautifully damp morning....no heat to be found.  Although we welcome this change in the weather, we thought today would be the appropriate day to share a photo from one of our favorite summer moments.....HAWAII!

Almer plays for John Frizzell's new score!!!!!!

We are happy to announce that this movie "From Mexico with Love" is finally going to be released October 2009!!!! The score was written by famed film composer, John Frizzell. Listen to the preview below where Almer is featured playing (and improvising!!!) the following:

Classical guitar

Flamenco guitar

Electric guitar

Charango

Mandolin...etc!!!

ENJOY!!!!

The Return of the AlmaNova World Music Collective!!!!

Hello all,

Just wanted to let you know about some performances happening this coming Saturday, October 3rd in South Pasadena. We are participating in the SoPas Arts Fest. Here are the details:

6pm-7pm @ the SPMCC: Jessica Pierce, flute and Angela Cholakyan, piano

We will present a program of classical repertoire for the time-honored ensemble including Bach, Taktakkishvilli, and Enesco

7:30-8:30pm @ the Mission Gold Line Station: AlmaNova World Music Collective

Almer and Jessica will be joined by Zach Hahn, bass and Dan Schnelle, drums to rock the house for an encore performance of this favorite band of So Pas!!!!

8:30-9:30pm @the Mission Gold Line Station: Maestro Alex Gregory

Almer will join the Maestro of rock guitar for some electric shredding!

For more exact info click here

American Composers Forum of Los Angeles Presents: AlmaNova

Two Wins for AlmaNova in Nashville!!!!!

A few months ago, we found out that we were nominated in two categories by the organization Just Plain Folks, the world's largest independent music awards organization. We are pleased to announce that we WON both categories:

*AWARD WINNER*

JPF Music Awards:
AlmaNova "Debut" -Best Instrumental Album 2009
Almer Imamovic "Sarajevo Nights" -Best Instrumental Song 2009

The results were announced this past weekend in Nashville. We were not able to attend, but are so thrilled! This completely took us by surprise. We still don't know who nominated us originally. 'Debut' was our first CD and it has a very special place in our hearts. We recorded the CD in 2006 and are touched to learn that it still is receiving such positive attention. These great honors have encouraged us to continue expanding our repertoire and has profoundly impacted Almer's wish to continue composing!!!

A very heartfelt thanks to all who have supported our music!

Click here for complete list of winners.

Two New Reviews!

Our CD, 'Debut' was recorded in 2006 and yet we are very pleased that we still receive some very nice reviews. Our latest release, 'After Hours' has just begun to be reviewed and we thought we'd share these two latest ones we came across! Thanks to all for supporting this CD and our music in general!!

FLUTE FOCUS MAGAZINE:

01 JAN 2009

AlmaNova - "Debut" Written by Jim Langabeer

Pure musical pleasure is the result of this masterful combination of Jessica Pierce's flute and Almer Imamovic's guitar. Both performers are passionate players and give breath-taking performances in their original combinations of classical and romantic music and Bosnian love songs and lively dances. The duo started while they were both students at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, and has flowered in the course of major world tours and highly praised concerts. In style, they take time to state and develop the many melodies and rhythmic energies with impeccable techniques, and yet retain a relaxed, restrained purity of sound. On this recording the pair make judicious use of added hand percussion from Jim Coffin, and a little instrumental overdubbing, but maintain an acoustic sensibility throughout. For variety, inspiration, and listener enjoyment this collection of ten arrangements sets high standards for a flute and guitar ensemble program. Unreservedly recommended.

MINOR 7TH AlmaNova "After Hours," 2009 Flautist Jessica Pierce and guitarist Almer Imamovic perform as AlmaNova. This CD features music influenced by Macedonian folk traditions, including several original pieces. The liner notes convey the significance of each piece, e.g., one written for a child, another for a friend’s wedding. The disc opens with Imamovic’s composition, "Bosna Nova," an uptempo piece combining Eastern melodies connected by bluegrass-flavored guitar runs. "Bitola" follows, its simple presentation resulting in a moving performance. Imamovic overdubs multiple parts on the title track, with one low-voiced guitar imitating the Balkan saz. On the traditional Macedonian song, "Zajdi, Zajdi", the musicians take time to develop a plaintive yet alternately wistful mood. On each selection, Jessica Pierce’s flute trades melodic statements with the guitar, each perfectly complementing the other. This CD is very much a personal project for AlmaNova, and it’s one that pays off for the listener. © Patrick Ragains