Chicago bred A.A.C.M. saxophonist / composer Matana Roberts presents a new workshop of Gens De Couleur Libre, an in-progress musical narrative which pays homage to her New Orleans, Cane River, Louisianan roots in a beautiful evening concert at Brooklyn’s ISSUE Project Room. This will be the first time this work will be performed in Brooklyn.
Coin Coin explores the defining moments of an extraordinary, yet classic, African American history using the traditions of jazz, and improvisatory inspired music as well as original compositions and various ensemble and multi media configurations. It tells the stories and myths of a people who wove a legacy that grew a tremendous family tree that, despite gnarled roots, still remains standing. Coin Coin is in essence a musical monument to the human experience.
Short Q and A discussion with Matana Roberts after performance.
Matana Roberts - reeds
Jessica Pavone - viola
Shoko Nagai - piano
Thomson Kneeland - bass
Tomas Fujiwara - drums
Daniel Givens - visual projections