AERIAL ACOUSTICS
Don't tell Dorothy Wagner and Dennis Smith to "go fly a kite" because they will. They will take your suggestion and win a kiting contest.
Dorothy met her husband, Lance, in high school in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. They were both musically talented. She played guitar. He played bass. Lance went to Medical School and practices anesthesiology. Dorothy attended Brooklyn College, majored in music, and later received a Master's degree from Yale University studying classical guitar after they were married. She teaches children and adults to play guitar.
Both she and her husband fly kites competitively and are high- ranking experts, well traveled in their sport.
Dennis Smith lived in Bergen County, New Jersey, and was always a musician. He played many instruments in high school bands, became a Jazz and rock electric guitarist and then settled to flat top guitar with pick and fingers. Tuning his high E string to D, he has developed an unusual style and sound. But Dennis likes to fly kites competitively, too.
Thus the Wagners met Dennis Smith. Conversation led to guitar talk. A month later Dorothy and Dennis played together with Dorothy’s original music and instantly improvised accompaniments by the talented Dennis.
Soon they worked out a number of sophisticated duet arrangements. The kite fliers formed Aerial Acoustics, a guitar duo.
With Dorothy on classical guitar (soon it will be a Buscarino Cabaret arched back model) and Dennis on a Taylor flat top steel string guitar, Aerial Acoustics has played at the Fifth Classical American Guitar Show in Long Island and the Philadelphia Guitar Show,
commanding lots of attention and praise. They are often engaged for private parties, cafes and restaurants in the New York/New Jersey area.
Now for the music. It is unique. Almost all their performances are original pieces and are arranged by Dorothy and Dennis. Each piece is passionate and clearly takes the listener on a journey. I am impressed with the dynamics, intricate rhythm, clear focus, and precise interplay of nylon and steel. The music moves. It is highly rhythmic and swings. Clear crisp tones from Dorothy's nylon strings are always complemented by Dennis's original and lively accompaniment. Dynamics are intense and the beautiful melodies awaken many feelings. Improvised solos are unique to each performer. Classical, folk, jazz and New Age influence the music. It is wonderful guitar, extremely well executed. All ears easily assimilate the themes and everyone has fun.
After hearing these originals, especially "Tandem Flight", I can't wait to hear what they create next. After hearing "Take Five" by Paul Desmond, I wish they would adapt their sound to more Jazz standards
Aerial Acoustics has produced one CD which they offer at performances and can be obtained from Mandolin Brothers, 629 Staten Island, NY 10310-2576, Phone # (718) 816-4416.
Aerial Acoustics is a guitar duo that is beautiful, handsome, dynamic, passionate, novel and surprising. Go fly a kite with them. You will win!
Francis A. Forte, M.D., “Jazziz” magazine
