CD Review: Transporting Bright — Lindsey Goodman’s Dazzling New Sonic Universe

In her newest release, Transporting Bright, flutist Lindsey Goodman once again proves why she is one of the most electrifying, imaginative, and important voices in contemporary flute music today. Long celebrated for her gorgeous sound, masterful musicality, and visionary programming, Goodman continues to expand the boundaries of what the flute can say — and how boldly it can say it. This album is not just a listening experience; it’s a journey through color, texture, storytelling, and raw emotional power.

Goodman has built a career on championing new music with fearless commitment, and Transporting Bright feels like a culmination of that mission. Each track reveals a new facet of her artistry, from shimmering delicacy to searing intensity, always delivered with her unmistakable clarity and expressive depth.

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Highlights from the Album

“Slovakia” — Tom Beal

One of the standout moments for me is “Slovakia” by Tom Beal. The track opens with glistening bells that sparkle like sunlight on glass, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. As the piece unfolds, occasional bright shouts of “hey ya!” break through the texture — surprising, playful, and completely irresistible. Goodman moves effortlessly within this sound world, her tone glowing above and between the percussive bursts. It’s imaginative, quirky, and deeply engaging.

“prowl” — Robert McClure

If “Slovakia” glitters, Robert McClure’s “prowl” lurks. This track feels straight out of a horror film, with shadows, whispers, and a creeping tension that curls around the listener. Goodman’s control is astonishing — she shapes each gesture with precision, her sound shifting from breathy suspense to razor-edged clarity. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere and instrumental storytelling.

“Old Soul” — Jennifer Bernard Merkowitz

A completely different world opens in “Old Soul”, a haunting, introspective piece for alto flute and electronics by Jennifer Bernard Merkowitz. Goodman’s liquid, evocative sound on the alto flute is mesmerizing — warm, velvety, and deeply human. The electronics weave around her like an echo of memory or dreams, creating a spacious landscape where every note feels suspended in amber. This track is a quiet stunner.

“A Something in a Summer’s Day” — Nancy Galbraith

Another gem is Nancy Galbraith’s “A Something in a Summer’s Day.” Gentle, lyrical, and tinged with melancholy, the piece feels like a delicate sigh of sunlight and shadow. Goodman’s interpretation captures that fragile balance perfectly. Her phrasing sings with sensitivity, and her tone — pure, open, and emotionally centered — elevates the work’s understated beauty.

With Transporting Bright, Lindsey Goodman delivers a recording that is as bold as it is beautiful. Her artistry radiates throughout — not only in her effortless technique and luminous tone, but in her fearless dedication to new music and her uncanny ability to breathe life into every score she touches.

This album is a gift to contemporary music lovers, a treasure for flute enthusiasts, and a dazzling reminder that new music is alive, vibrant, and full of surprises — especially when Lindsey Goodman is the one bringing it to light.

If you’re seeking a recording that thrills, challenges, and invites deep listening, Transporting Bright absolutely deserves a spot on your playlist.