Karl Bergers Improvisers Orchestra returns to El Taller In Uptown Manhattan On Friday, November 22, Karl Bergers Improvisers Orchestra of 25+ professional string, horn, and percussion soloists returns to El Taller for its 63rd performance since its experimental start in 2011, incorporating motifs and players rooted in classical, jazz and world-musical folk styles. The KBIO continues to turn improvisational ideas developed in the 7:00 pm workshop/ rehearsal into a fully formed 8:15 pm performance. Conducted in Karl’s inimitable style, developed at the legendary Creative Music Studio, this orchestra of extraordinary improvisers explores original themes as well as melodies from the world’s musical traditions, as well as musical ideas that arise spontaneously. One of the orchestras trademarks is Ingrid Sertso’s uncanny vocalization and poetry. This Friday’s performance at El Taller features Warren Smith (drums), Joe Hertenstein, John Pietaro (percussion), Max Johnson, Nicolas Letman (bass), Harvey Valdes, Michael Gassman (guitar), John Ehis, (mandolin), Rocco John Iacovone (soprano sax), Ras Moshe (tenor sax, flute), Yoni Kretzmer (tenor sax), Don Davis, Patrick Brennan, Mercedes Figueras (alto sax), Jason Candler, Miguel Malla (clarinet), Michael Lytle (bass clarinet) Bill Ylitalo (baritone sax, alto flute, piccolo flute), Matt Lavelle (cornet), Rick Maurer (trombone),Yasuno Katsuki (euphonium) Sylvain Leroux (African flutes), Ken Ya Kawaguchi, (shakuhachi flute), Jason Hwang, Sana Nagano, Julianne Carney, Ernesto Llorens (violin), Federico Papi (cello), John Ehlis, mandolin, Gian Luigi Diana (electronic sounds), Ingrid Sertso (vocals), and surprise guests. Recent reviews paint a vivid picture of the KBIO proceedings: Karl Berger has been a pioneer in large-scale jazz improvisation longer than just about anybody, which explains why his Improvisers Orchestra swings as hard, and interestingly, and often hauntingly as they do… Berger is an elegant and economical pianist, which informs how he conducts…. Like the best big bands, this crew use the entirety of their dynamic range. The ensemble weren’t often all playing at once, making those lush crescendos all the more towering and intense….…with the phantasmagorical sweep of the Gil Evans Orchestra and the rough-and-tumble bustle of the Mingus bands. The camaraderie and warmth of the repartee between the orchestra and conductor – and among the orchestra itself – was visceral. Lucid Culture The suite-like performances have a warm, buoyant vibe issuing from brief folkloric-like motifs and the low-key, common-sense guidance Karl offers his players. They are mostly veteran musicians from avant rock and world music as well as jazz scenes, and can expand on simple themes paying utmost attention to dynamics and each other…..The collective’s intuited communication has attained a high point since shows began last April 2011 Howard Mandel The compositions of Karl Berger have a clear-cut destination, with a beginning, a middle, and an ending…..Surprisingly, much of Mr. Bergers music isnt exactly free form but draws on lush harmonies and a well-defined relationship between foreground soloists and background…..The music is comparatively easy on the ears because Mr. Berger also relies on woodwinds, reeds and strings (as well as the soothing voice of Ingrid Sertso) rather than brass. Will Friedwald All net proceeds support the Creative Music Studio’s Archive Project, the preservation and re-mastering of over 400 historic CMS recordings by some of the finest innovators in music, in collaboration with Columbia University. El Taller is located on the corner of Broadway and W104th Street. Suggested contribution is $20. For reservation call 212 665 9460.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 05:09:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015