Two classic piano quintets from two centuries — Brahms and Shostakovich — are given superb renditions by acclaimed pianist Olga Kern and the Dalí Quartet.

Composer and double bassist Peter Paulsen presents SHANGHAIED PAISANO, featuring the contemporary music ensemble TurksHeadKnot joined by The Dali Quartet. TurksHeadKnot, which includes Paulsen on double bass and as director, Chris Hanning on percussion, and Chris Bacas on saxophones, incorporates the discipline and precision of modern classical composition with the expressive flow of jazz improvisation. The ensemble is accompanied on this album by The Dali Quartet, a string ensemble known for mixing Latin American, Classical, and Romantic repertoire. SHANGHAIED PAISANO features Paulsen’s Shanghaied Paisano, a four-movement work inspired by Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s Americus IV, as well as Paulsen’s arrangement of Chega De Saudade by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

The Dalí Quartet is acclaimed for bringing Latin American quartet repertoire to an equal standing alongside the Classical and Romantic canon. Tours of it's Classical Roots, Latin Soul programming have reached enthusiastic audiences across the U. S. , Canada and South America. It's fresh approach has been sought out by distinguished series in New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, San Juan and countless communities beyond.