Asphalt Orchestra & Rhys Chatham's Crimson Grail - 090808

I checked out Bang On a Can's newest project Asphalt Orchestra at Lincoln Center Saturday night. I was very keen to hear this group during its debut run (at LC no less!) for several reasons. First of all, a number of stellar colleagues of mine are members of the band (Shane Endsley on trumpet, Peter Hess on tenor sax, Ken Thomson on alto sax, Jessica Schmitz on flutes, and Yuri Yamashita on percussion). Secondly, I was very curious to hear what Ty Braxton chose to write for them. I have a lot of respect for his band Battles and I recently heard some other written material of his. And third, I have a feeling that AO and TILT Brass may cross paths at some point, and I wanted get a sense of what they do.

I thought it was a really impressive musical experience, especially for a just-hatched ensemble idea! Most groups, especially repertoire oriented ones, need a minute to find their voice. Asphalt Orchestra came out with a fully formed and well executed concept. Maybe that can be at least partially attributed to the experience and support of the BoaC clan, but the quality and depth of the players involved can not be underestimated. In any case, it was a lovely moment all around.

[I will refrain from commenting on my friend Rhy Chatham's 200 guitar piece. It was a mob scene audience-wise, which meant I could neither see nor hear (believe it or not) the thing. I ended up splitting after about 30 minutes and grabbing Afghani food with my boy Anthony Coleman. Sorry Rhys (and Mr. King)!]


090826 Addition

[ed. note - I had forgotten about this recording I had made with my iPhone until it came up accidently in iTunes. iTeresting...]

Asphalt Orchestra playing Conlon Nancarrow's Study No. 20, arr. by Ken Thomson - 8/8/09 7:10 PM