Following their light-footed muse, Maryannne and Allen take you on a musical journey from 18th century Venice to the modern desert Southwest.  Using classical guitar, violin, and the five-octave violira, the music of Lyra moves from way back to tomorrow...and back.

REVIEW BY Hoyt Johnson, Sedona Magazine, summer 2006

Among local outlets' offerings of CDs recorded by Sedona artists is an exceptional disc, "Way Back Tomorrow," by violinist Allen Ames and classical guitarist Maryanne Kremer-Ames. Attesting to the high quality of this CD, the very significant credentials of this talented duo, know as Lyra, are extensive, indeed.

Using classical and electric instruments "to create a lively concert format with many styles of music," Lyra has performed all over Arizona, as well as California, New Mexico and New York. Also, this duo has been featured on television and radio broadcasts in the Phoenix area, performed and recorded with the Phoenix Symphony and played with Dave Brubeck in his "Fiesta de la Posada" Christmas cantata. Additionally, Lyra has been a touring ensemble for Arizona Commission on the Arts.

However, for many visitors and residents of Sedona, the best place in the world to enjoy Lyra is at Briar patch Inn, a storybook facility tucked into Oak Creek Canyon. Here, Allen and Maryanne have been enjoying "a vital artistic recharge in one of the most inspiring natural settings imaginable" for 17 consecutive summers. Included among the 14 selections on this outstanding disc are compostions by Bach, Lennon, Vivaldi and Unger, as well as originals by Allen and Maryanne. This diversity of composers supports what Allen writes in this CD's program notes - that Lyra plays "new music on old instruments and old music on new instruments." Referring to the title offering, Allen states: "Our musical style can jump a few hundred years in a couple of beats. Way Back Tomorrow is a good destination."

Christmas with Lyra

Four Hands One Heart

The First Album

Tingstad & Rumbel: Homeland

Willie & Lobo: Manana

Meadowlark:

Beyond Words