Composer Lainie Fefferman's latest album, Here I Am, stands as the culmination of a fifteen-year odyssey, a profound engagement with the timeless narratives of the Hebrew Bible. Through an immersive journey of creation and reflection, Fefferman has crafted a musical tapestry that intertwines ancient texts with the complexities of modern life.

Structured loosely as an oratorio, Here I Am resonates with the voices of solo and ensemble female performers, complemented by a chamber rock ensemble comprising electric guitar, drums, piano, percussion, cello, violin, and clarinet, skillfully executed by TRANSIT New Music. At its core, the piece embodies Fefferman's earnest endeavor to rekindle her connection to this venerable tradition, grappling with its intricate themes while inviting listeners to explore its relevance with a critical and receptive mindset.

Fefferman's creative process is as diverse as her musical output, from meticulously placing notes on staves to sculpting curves in digital software and crafting melodies with code. Her portfolio boasts a slew of commissions from a diverse array of performers and ensembles, ranging from the Recap Quartet to So Percussion. Notably, her solo endeavor "White Fire," an electroacoustic homage to the heroines of the Hebrew Bible, further exemplifies her multifaceted artistry.

Beyond her compositional endeavors, Fefferman is a driving force of live music, co-founding and directing the New Music Gathering - an annual convergence for the global avant-garde. A graduate of Princeton University's esteemed composition program, she remains an active member of the Princeton-based laptop ensemble, Sideband.

Currently, Fefferman spreads her expertise as a professor of Music & Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology, guiding and inspiring a new generation of musical innovators. Her recent tenure as artist-in-residence at Nokia Bell Labs underscores her commitment to exploring the intersections of technology and creativity.

On Here I Am, Lainie Fefferman has not only crafted a musical masterpiece but also a poignant reflection on the enduring relevance of ancient texts in our modern world, a testament to her boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.