‘The best works display a high level of craftsmanship while at the same time conveying the spirit of a given idiom…Derek Bermel’s Hot Zone features virtuosic, dynamic orchestrations and colors via heavily syncopated tutti rhythms which contrast nicely with melismatic solo writing for English horn and cello. The use of 5/4 also keeps Bermel’s African-inspired grooves from getting stale.’
New Music Connoisseur, New York