Nicola Melville
Carleton College, MN (USA)

Sourpuss coyly portrays an imagined cranky, foul-tempered man navigating a series of colorful experiences. The piece unfolds across five vivid tableaux, blending jazzy, bluesy, and pop-culture influences into a vibrant musical tapestry.

The journey culminates in a gruff, spirited dance number, closing the work with a wink of wry humor and a touch of charm.



“I think my favorite of the collection is the longest track, at 6 1/2 minutes, Kevin Beavers’ Sourpuss. He divides it into five tableaux which are variously colored by influences of ragtime, blues, Thelonious Monk and Frank Sinatra. …things finish up with a rousing little drunk dance number.”

 - John Sunier, Audiophile Audition