Today, I released “Fires will Sweep The Cities Built on Our Homes” by Kolessa. This is a follow up to last autumn’s “Ash-Stained Cabinet”, and is Dungeon Synth trying to reconcile with early 20th century modernization, and how that path has continued today. Dedicated to the memory of the Sai Anantam Ashram, where Turiya Alice Coltrane made her home.
My first show of the year was on January 10th, with the new trio Kolegi (featuring Helen Marx on percussion and Brian Slattery on violin). We play together in the Harris Brothers Balkan Band, and this was an opportunity for us to play some tunes that fall a little bit outside of that band’s normal comfort zone, and put some of our own spins on things. We’ll play again on April 10th, at Cafe Nine, supporting the Suitcase Junket.
TONIGHT (January 25), I’ll be performing with the Tri-centric Vocal Ensemble at Roulette in Brooklyn. Two years ago we recorded 12 hours of Anthony Braxton’s vocal music with the composer present, and it was a truly transformative experience. I’m so excited to get back together with all these wonderful musicians and do it again. We will be missing the bass voice and warm presence of Michael Douglas Jones (RIP), and the concert will be performed in his memory.
Then Sunday January 27, I’ll be playing as part of a new series at the State House in New Haven, called Multiplex. It’s a series focusing on improvised music, and so it will be an opportunity for Elm Fiction (with Bob Gorry, Thomas Martin, and Jeff Cedrone) to play again. There will also be 3 other sets, including a quartet led by Stephen Haynes, and duo music by Joe Morris and Dan O’Brien. This starts at 4PM.
Saturday, February 9th, I’ll be playing a duo set with Chris Cretella. We recorded a CD several years ago now, and as it happens, it took us awhile to get the material to release readiness - but now it’s here! There will be sets by Human Flourishing, Lucas Brode, and Henry Fraser as well. At Never Ending Books, starts at 7PM.
Tuesday, February 12th, Dr. Caterwauls plays a set at the Milford Arts Council. We’re excited to be working with them in their own venue, and our set will start at 7:30 PM.
Finally (FOR NOW), I’ll be doing a longer concert at Neighborhood Music School on Friday, February 15. This is a free show, and an important one - I’ll be performing a mix of my own songs and compositions, and maybe one or two transcriptions, in duo form with Brian Slattery. I will have (and take!) the opportunity to play the 9-foot concert grand piano, and who knows, I may make Brian learn a new instrument by then....
