For those not in the know, The Plains - which was released back on October 3rd, 2025 via Redshift Records - is the result of a collaboration, and friendship, between pianist Cheryl Duvall and composer Linda Catlin Smith.

Indeed, it’s the first volume of a new set of recordings of Duvall playing Smith’s complete works for solo piano to date.

Smith’s music has been gaining accolades in recent years, including praise from international media like the Guardian, the BBC, the Wire, and Gramophone — along with a commission from the BBC Proms.

Unusually, The Plains consists of one, one-hour long work.

1. The Plains [1:07:52]

Recorded at Noble Street Studios, Toronto on December 13th, 2024, this wholly captivating, innocently alluring, and yet subsequently transfixing new work of musical art is one that may only be one length (one at over an hour at that), but does feature notable breaks within it.

Working directly with the composer, as Duvall has done here, has obviously blossomed into becoming a highly rewarding relationship in many respects, for this new recording astutely showcases how her and Smith’s singular musical prowess’s have combined to craft such an astoundingly reactive and collaborative partnership.

Indeed, Duvall has a long history with revered composer Catlin Smith and thus this simply magnificent new output is a form of due diligence for listening to for those wanting an in to just what it is that Duvall brings to the table. And with every moment here having been co-produced by her and the composer, well, you can just imagine what beautifully crafted future volumes of this series hold, my friends.

Official Purchase Link

Official Linda Catlin Smith Website

Official Cheryl Duvall Facebook Page