Camera Lucida is a new recording by Canadian guitarist and composer, David Occhipinti.
The recording has eight new compositions that feature David’s chamber music compositions and guitar improvisations alongside some of Canada’s finest musicians.
On the opening track, clarinetist Virginia MacDonald brings fire to Ice Dance. Michael Davidson’s beautiful and introspective marimba playing is featured on Promised Kiss. Violinist Aline Homzy plays a wonderful solo on Promised Kiss and is featured in a musical dialogue with David on Octavia. Bassist Dan Fortin provides creative support throughout the recording.
The entire ensemble is featured in a group improvisation on Southwark. Play time is a sound design piece featuring whistling, pitched percussion, radio sounds along with wind sounds created by clarinet
.
The ensemble also includes musicians from the classical world. Max Christieis a member of the National Ballet of Canada orchestra and is featured on bass clarinet and clarinet.
Bassoonist Fraser Jackson is a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and is featured on Octavia. Andy Ballantyne is featured on piccolo on Promised Kiss. Camera Lucida is on the Elastic Recordings label.
In 2012, David released his first Camera Ensemble recording. It was heralded by David’s mentor Jim Hallas:
“an absolute gem…his writing is unique, his playing is completely original and stunning…an absolute work of art!”
The 2012 recording featured the Banff Suite for guitar, clarinet, bassoon, marimba,violin, viola, cello, contrabass; and a suite for guitar and string quartet.
David has been nominated for several Juno Awards, including three of his recordings where he was either leader (Forty Revolutions) or co-leader (with Mike Murley). David has toured all across Canada, in Europe, and Japan. David has also recorded a new album with String Trio due to be released in 2026.
