A diverse array of twenty artists come together in An Improvisational Symphony to close ISSUE's 20th Anniversary Season, coordinated by vocalist and longtime ISSUE friend, Suzanne Langille. The celebratory concert is split into four movements, each representing a traditional element that will inspire groups of five musicians to present 20-minutes of improvised sounds.
The Text of Light group was formed in 1999 to perform improvised music to the films of Stan Brakhage and other members of the American Cinema avant-garde of the 1950s-60s. The group takes on various permutations and tonight Lee Ranaldo, Alan Licht, DJ Olive & William Hooker will be performing at ISSUE Project Room.
When composer and musician Ben Miller takes the stage, he will trade his guitar for a conductor’s baton, and lead his 15-piece saxophone ensemble, the Sensorium Saxophone Orchestra (SSO), through a rousing evening of musical offerings that will no doubt turn the audience on its collective ear.
Cecil Taylor: A Celebration of the Maestro
In this evening dedicated to Cecil Taylor’s mastery and influence, virtuoso pianist Thollem McDonas will perform solo and with bass clarinetist Arrington de Dionyso, followed by a set from the thunderous percussionist and powerhouse bandleader William Hooker, joined by Mark Hennen, Larry Roland and Matt Lavelle.
Legendary pianist and poet Cecil Taylor is one of the greatest improvisers in the history of modern jazz. Since the first performances of his quartet at the Five Spot Café in 1956, he has unflinchingly and tirelessly worked to define a sound that is still light years ahead of its time.