“Jethro Tull eat your heart out when it comes to the solo flute blues piece Fish are Jumping by Robert Dick. Boland’s playing gives a cool rhythmic groove with fantastic articulation and bends, and I love the train like harmonics. In the guitar solo pieces, Dowdall gets a chilled back feel going during his solo pieces of Charlie Byrd. Based on 12 bar patterns he shows off a few cool licks in between a rhythmic blues vamp. I have very much enjoyed this CD. The playing is excellent and expressive. Both players are tight together with the ensemble and their interpretations are outstanding.” John Couch for indie-cds.com, Australia (2006)

“The playing and interpretations by Boland and Dowdall are just stunning in their richness, clarity, expressiveness and ensemble. The overall effect is the kind of brilliance and diversity that holds the listener in thrall.” Jerrold Pritchard, The Flute Network (2004)

“First-rate music in lovely performances recorded to perfection. …the pairing of guitar and flute gets a fine airing. The duo really can swing.” John Story, Fanfare (May/June 2004)

“Excellent ensemble. Both Boland and Dowdall have a warm, pure tone.” Johnson, American Record Guide (March/April, 2004)

“This interesting CD grew out of an innovative commissioning project. . . and features a range of styles and influences, from modal, improvisatory pieces to Copland-inspired works. The playing throughout is of a high quality, with a natural sense of ensemble.” Elizabeth Green, Pan (London) (March 2004)

Vintage Viennese

Beethoven & Matiegka on period instruments

Fleur de Son Classics: FDS 57945

Recorded August 1999 in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Release date: 2000
Distributed by Naxos of America

Jan Boland, flute • David Miller, viola • John Dowdall, guitar

Available at amazon.com

Repertoire

Reviews

“The ear is constantly charmed. . . .idiomatic flair and affectionate warmth. Interesting performances, and a brace of distinctive, engaging chamber works. An excellent and enterprising ensemble. A keen-edged and diligent performance.” Michael Jameson, Fanfare (May/June 2001)

“Elegant, charming and beautiful. A terrific recording in terms of musical pleasure and performing excellence. The overall sonority…is simply lovely. The performers are obviously totally committed artistically…their ensemble skills are excellent, and their attention to detail is exemplary. The sense of jocularity from all three players in both works is refreshing.” Stephen Waechter, The Guitar Foundation of America Soundboard (Summer 2001)

“The first impression on hearing this disc is of a mellow and appealing tone-quality.and well-balanced texture. The playing is always beautifully phrased and.technically flawless — the intonation problems that beset so many exponents of period instruments are wholly absent here.” Brenda Dykes, Pan (London), (December 2002)

“All three performers are top rate; this is an instructive and imaginatively programmed CD.” John Sunier, Audiophile Auditio, (January 2001)

“…music that should please most listeners with its playfulness. Boland’s flute, in particular, has a wistful character. This CD will appeal to anyone who enjoys the small pleasures afforded by chamber music.” Raymond Tuttle. Review Index 2001

“The ensemble’s performance is elegant. Impeccable historical style…will draw the listener into the intimate ambiance and mood they create. The recording is exceptional in clarity and presence. The pieces are at once charming and profound.” Jerrold Pritchard, The Flute Network (2001)

Crystal to Gold

Precious Flutes and Guitars
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fleur de Son Classics. FDS 57932
Recorded June 1998 i
Released 1999

Jan Boland, flute • Amy Boland, flute • John Dowdall, guitar

Available from: amazon.com

Recorded for the first time, rare flutes and guitars from the Musical Instrument Division of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Read more about the project and the instruments. The following instruments were on loan from The Metropolitan Museum of Art for this project.

FLUTES:  Glass flutes by Claude Laurent, Paris, 1813 –– Boxwood flute by Firth Hall & Pond. New York –– Wood & gold flute by Jean-Louis Tulou, Paris, ca. 1852.
GUITARS:  Guitar by Christian Frederick Martin, Nazareth, PA. –– Guitar by Mauchant freres, France, mid-19th-century –– Guitar by Rene Lacote, Paris, ca. 1825.

Repertoire

Reviews

“I have long been a fan of Jan Boland’s elegant musicianship, and it is here in evidence in every notes she plays. She and the excellent guitarist John Dowdall have used a collection of instruments from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Jan Boland is joined by her daughter Amy in some Haydn duets played on a pair of crystal flutes by the remarkable Parisian maker Claude Laurent. These beautiful instruments must have cost a sizable fortune, and they sound remarkably good, too. It would have been easy for a recording like this to be gimmicky, but the performances are excellent and the music is a joy to listen to, and that’s surely all we want.” Robert Bigio, Pan (London) (2000)

“The Bolands handle the flute with remarkable control and finesse, making some highly expressive music in the process. Dowdall’s facile guitar work offers both sensitive accompaniments and a gentle haunting sound. The vocal quality of these flutes is quite striking, particularly in such selections as the Foster melodies.” Schmidt, American Record Guide (September/October, 1999)

“. . .very expressive. Played with warmth and intimacy.” Mia Dreese, FLUIT (Amsterdam) (Fall, 2000)

“I am enraptured listening to Jan Boland’s new CD Crystal to Gold. Jan has a real affinity for the music and instruments and plays with sensitivity and musicality of the highest order. The beauty and focus of her tone belies any claim that constant vibrato is needed or appropriate for this music. Crystal to Gold joins a small but distinguished set of recordings of period flutes.” David Dahl, Flutelist (1999)

Czech Chamber Music

On Period Instruments

Fleur de Son Classics: FDS 57927
Recorded June, 1997at King Chapel, Mount Vernon, IA.
Release date: December 2, 1998.

Critics’ Choice 1998
American Record Guide

Jan Boland, 19th-c flute by Koch • David Miller, 19th-c Tyrolian viola • John Dowdall, 19th-c German guitar

Available at amazon.com

Repertoire

Reviews

CRITIC’S CHOICE:  “Chamber music should be just like this—, bonding and conversational. One of the most enchanting discs I have heard in a while. It’s quietness and inventiveness will force you to listen. Period instruments are used, and for once they sound like something you an imagine people of the time actually sitting down and listening to. All three instruments are soft and subtle. Ms. Boland’s flute is warm, rich and faultlessly played. Mr. Dowdall Dowdall’s guitar is the ever-present background _ supportive and highly-flavored. David Miller’s viola stands out alike the start string it really is, sweet and singing, with technical impeccability.” American Record Guide (Nov./Dec. 1998)

“The players on this disc give every impression of enjoying themselves hugely and their enjoyment shines out from every note. Jan Boland … and the two string players use period instruments. The playing is excellent. No allowance needs to be made for the early flute, which is exactly as it should be. Jan Boland makes a beautiful sound on her old flute, free of affectation and of the overwhelming vibrato that spoils so many performances by modern flute players. This is some of the most enjoyable music-making to have graced my home in a long time. Delicious!” Robert Bigio, Pan (London) (December 1998)

“Matiegka’s music is a delightful addition to any classical music collection, rendered thoughtfully and beautifully on period instruments by Jan Boland, David Miller and John Dowdall.” Oonagh Sherrard, indie-cds.com (2006)

“The performers have placed considerable and appropriate emphasis on historically informed techniques. Their playing leads to an entirely satisfying balance.” John Hayard-Warbutron, Music & Vision (April, 1999)

“All three performers are top rate; this is an imaginatively-programmed CD.” John Sunier, Audiofile Audition (January, 2001

“Intimate parlor music, warm and friendly, inventive enough to engage the careful listener… excellent performances.”  Robert McColley, Fanfare (1998)

Home Sweet Home

Parlor Music from the Civil War

Koch International Classics
Recorded May, 1994
Released 1996

On period instruments
Jan Boland, 19th-c flute by Koch • John Dowdall, 19th-c German guitar

Available at amazon.com Also available from the artists. 319-377-8028

Repertoire

Reviews

“The playing is eloquent in its clarity and unfussy simplicity, and is captured on a clean and airy recording. Boland and Dowdall’s art is an informed music-making that vividly and hauntingly conjures up a moment in American history.” William Zagorski, Fanfare (September, 1995)

“The music on this disc is all simple, unprofound stuff, but therein lies its appeal. The Boland-Dowdall Duo perform this material with just the right kind of light touch. They succeed in doing what I think is one of the most important tasks of period-instrument performance: to transport the listener back in time. Of course, it is also possible to enjoy this disc from the purely instrumental standpoint: two fine performers fully in command of their instruments and captured in realistic, intimate sound.” C.B. Continuo (February, 1995)

“This is all pleasant stuff and easy on the ear. Jan Boland specialises in early flutes and is playing on a flute with 11 keys by Stephan Koch (c.1820). John Dowdall is playing a 19th century gut strung guitar. My family and friends, both musical and unmusical, have enjoyed listening to this disc, partly because of the music but even more, I suspect, because it sounds as though there is a real person on the end of the flute and moreover someone who is having a good time. On hearing such musical and technically competent playing with such a beguiling sound I began to wonder how the Boehm flute ever caught on. Certainly a recording worth having.” Dennis Clark, Pan (London) (1996)

“Charming performance. A fetching collection of Americana. Boland’s 11-keyed flute is haunting.” Guitar Foundation of America Soundboard (1996)

Rossini, Mozart & al.

Serenades from the19th -century Salon on period instruments

Titanic Records: TI-182
Recorded August, 1991 in King Chapel, Mount Vernon, IA
Release date: 1992

“Best Disc of the Month” (June, 1992)
Alte Musik Aktuell, Regensburg, Germany

Jan Boland, flute • John Dowdall, guitar
On period instruments: Flutes by Stephan Koch, (Vienna c. 1820). Guitar by Anton Hasslwanter, Insbruch, circa 1850

Repertoire

Reviews

BEST DISC OF THE MONTH (June 1993) “Another stellar disc has been released by the American Duo. The artists perform in their customary manner, that is to say, superbly. Everything is simply splendid.” Alte Musik Aktuel, Regensburg, Germany (January, 1993)

“Elegant and entertaining. Boland’s flute sound is full of warmth and without a hint of the shrillness sometimes heard on a modern flute. Boland’s phrasing is natural and beautiful. Dowdall achieves a delicacy and warmth not often heard from larger, modern guitars. Their impeccable, balanced performances gracefully capture the period music.” Dee Ann Rexroat, The Gazette (July, 1992)

Guiliani, Hummel, et al.

A Potpourri of 19th-Century Salon Music
on period instruments

Titanic Records: Ti-161

“Best Disc of the Month” (June, 1988)
Alte Musik Aktuell, Regensburg, Germany

Recorded September 1987
Released June 1988

Jan Boland, flute • John Dowdall, guitar

Available at amazon.com or from Boland & Dowdall (call 319/377-8028)

On period instruments.  Flutes by Clair Godfroy (Paris c. 1830) and Stephan Koch, (Vienna c. 1820). Guitars by Louis Panormo, (London 1823) and an anonymous German maker (19th-c).

Repertoire

Reviews

BEST DISC OF THE MONTH:  “Jan Boland and John Dowdall have successfully accessed works of the classical period. The result is marvelous; [the music] sounds facile and light without the slightest trace of sobbing excess of senile pathos. The interpretation is very convincing, impressive for its simplicity and sensitivity.” Robert Strobl, Alte Musik Aktuel, Regensburg, Germany

“A must . . . Jan Boland has an excellent fund of breath; her two wooden flutes are a silvery delight. John Dowdall plays {Sor etudes} most poetically.” Fanfare

“Rarely have I heard a recording of such elegance and sonic charm. Jan’s flute has an absolutely captivating timbre, helped of course by the great recording, but the intonation, phrasing & articulation The intonation, phrasing kept the disc on my player all week.” Dr. John Schneider, KFAC-FM, Los Angeles

“The disc is a masterpiece. Boland and Dowdall’s playing is a remarkable example of perfect musical understanding. The somber flute solo Roslin Castle is devoted to a vintage 11-keyed flute by Stephan Koch that proves itself totally tantalizing. I must confess total gratification. One of the best serious recordings of 1988.”Les Zacheis, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids IA

“Perfection.”John McGrody, WOSU-FM, Columbus

“The Boland-Dowdall Duo is the foremost flute and guitar duo performing 19th-century music on authentic period instruments. Particularly sensitive to the nuances of these early instruments, the performers exhibit a very healthy balance between familiarity with their instruments and research into performance practice of the period. Their sounds blend together almost poetically–the recording quality is exceptional.” The Blue Note

“Executed with technical aplomb and a sense of fun.” Alison Melville Continuo (1990)