Marilyn Nonken and Drew Baker. (Photo of Nonken by Sharka Bosakova)

Stress Position: The Complete Piano Works of Drew Baker, performed by new music champion Marilyn Nonken, is a collection of fine work by this American composer, spotlighting the political and social concerns as well as virtuosic vision of Baker’s music — and now you can support the work of these fine musicians by contributing to a Kickstarter campaign to complete production of the album. Baker writes on the Kickstarter page for this collection:

In addition to testing the physical limits of pianist and piano alike, the pieces on this recording wrestle directly with political themes. The title track refers to an ancient form of torture recently brought back into the public consciousness following the atrocities at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. With arms spread to the far ends of the piano, the performer must play continuously with ever increasing volume and energy. Another featured work, National Anthem, transforms the “Star Spangled Banner” into a hypnotic, dirge-like requiem.

It is through Marilyn’s incredible interpretations that these works come alive and with your help, we will be able to proudly present a body of work that has been years in the making.

Your personal individual support of this album is urgent, especially during times like these when support for this fine work becomes increasingly hard to come by. You can make a contribution in amounts from $10.00 to $1,000.00 here, and each pledge level features a premium, from a remix track to a free copy of the album to signed copies of the score (as well as dinner with the composer and pianist, and let me tell you, it’s worth it for that). You can hear a little of Baker’s music in the promotional video for the album below. Do well by doing good, and support Stress Position today.