Sigma Alpha Iota

38 Fall 2026 | sai-national.org CHAMBER MUSIC Jeremy Beck Ulysses Arts Released May 8, 2026 Although I call Lexington my home these days, I originally hail from Louisville (and that's pronounced Loo-uh-vul, like you've got a mouthful of marshmallows). It was here that I first sang in my church choir, where I first picked up the saxophone. My actions here led me on the path to joining SAI. When Friend of the Arts Jeremy Beck sent me a copy of his new album Chamber Music, he took care to mention in his letter that the musicians were all from my hometown. I was so happy when I read that, and filled with so much pride. That's the icing on this cake, though. This is the second album I received from Jeremy Beck. You may recall how much I enjoyed his previous album, Requiem. This album is definitely different, and not just because one is a Requiem Mass and the other a collection of chamber music (hence the title). The high quality is still there, and shows that Beck has the ear to create unique scenes with sound alone. Take, for example, the bustling and surprising "Nightlife." Composed for four pianos, it felt like I was inside Edward Hopper's 1942 painting Nighthawks, a scene of a New York City diner at night. Also, was it just me, or did it sound like someone was saying "Hey!"? On the other hand, "Star Dance" reminds me of the video game Stardew Valley as I'm walking around my magical farm, tending my plants and feeding my chickens. The percussion and piano play off each other seamlessly, each standing out without overshadowing the other. Other standouts include "An Argument" from Songs of Love and Remembrance (yes, that is the Thomas Moore being put to song); "Lively," Movement I from Quartet for Flute, Clarinet, Cello and Piano (for the way it sets the theme for the next several movements so strongly); and "With tenderness" from Sonata for Oboe and Piano (it just feels like a musical hug). Thoughtful, sometimes easygoing, and even a little aggressive at some points, Chamber Music is a diverse collection of works that will surprise listeners in the best of ways with every listen. Chamber Music is available for streaming on major platforms and for purchase from major retailers. For more information, visit www.beckmusic.org. Rebekah McAuliffe was initiated into the Gamma Upsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota at Morehead State University in 2013. She currently resides in Lexington, KY, where she teaches writing classes. She can be found on TikTok and Instagram as @rebekah_writes94. SANCTUARY Evanescence BMG Released June 5, 2026 One of the first rock bands I ever listened to was Evanescence. From those early days sneaking onto YoUTube to watch "Bring Me to Life" AMVs (that's anime music videos for the uninitiated), to performing an arrangement of "My Immortal" I put together by ear for my high school junior year talent show, Evanescence has been a huge part of my musical journey. How lucky am I that I can share them with you, dear readers, as they unveil their latest work. Sanctuary touches on universal themes, and the sheer presence and talent of the musicians—especially vocalist Amy Lee—calls listeners to gather together and just be. "How Do I Heal," one of two songs to feature primarily piano and voice, is a song that requires vocal control and a strong upper register, and Amy Lee makes it sound easy. The guitar and bass work in "Tell Me When You've Had Enough" brings with it a certain 2000s sensibility (shoutout to guitarists Tim McCord and Troy McLawhorn, and bassist Emma Anzai; we love to see more women in metal!). "Calm Down" is a warlike lullaby, heavy and meditative, and drummer Will Hunt's work on "Rapture" definitely grabs your attention. Other standouts on the album include "Self Destruct" (a track that showcases Amy Lee's incredible skill with string arrangement), "Forever Without You" (a heartbreaking piano ballad guaranteed to make you cry), and "Afterlife" (as featured in Netflix's Devil May Cry). In essence, Sanctuary is an invitation of and to solidarity, one that can be appreciated and enjoyed by musicians and non-musicians alike. And now, I end this review with a question that has been on my mind since I was initiated over thirteen years ago: how do we go about getting Amy Lee as a distinguished member? Sanctuary is available on CD and vinyl from major retailers, and for streaming on major platforms. ALBUMREVIEWS

• Cover