Syncretics Series: Pheeroan akLaff & Isabelle O'Connell // ISSUE Project Room

 

ISSUE Evente Page

"On Saturday, May 5th, ISSUE Project Room continues its recently inaugurated Syncretics Series with solo performances by renowned Irish pianist Isabelle O’Connell and legendary drum-set master Pheeroan akLaff. Curated by Chris McIntyre, Syncretics Series presents artists at the highest level of their craft performing music ranging from virtuosic improvisations to keenly focused programs of recent and contemporary repertoire.

The May 5th concert represents this stylistic sweep by pairing two esteemed musicians from varied points on the musical spectrum. O’Connell is a stalwart of the contemporary concert music scene having premiered numerous works throughout her career, most notably championing Irish colleagues in performances around the world. Her program at ISSUE features several works by Irish composers (Donnacha Dennehy, Karen Power, Joan Tower) as well as selections from iconic American composer Frederic Rzewski who turns 80 in April.

akLaff is one of the premiere percussion artists in creative music. The list of his collaborators since the mid 1970’s charts the history of the field. It includes such luminaries as Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Davis, Amina Claudine Myers, Sonny Sharrock, Henry Threadgill, and Cecil Taylor. His performance on May 5th is a rare occasion to experience his work as a soloist on the drum-set. Entitled Amen Sparks Soul Knowing Eternal Being, the audience is engaged to be part of the sound making while akLaff coaxes his drums and cymbals, drawing out their orchestral and rhythmic possibilities. By channelling the “ethos of being a medium for music while refraining from any attempt to extract praise,” akLaff imbues his work with ancient belief systems that address creativity as received rather than generated. ISSUE’s 22 Boerum space provides the reverberative space best suited to such an intimate approach."

PROGRAM:
Pheeroan akLaff - solo percussion

Amen Sparks Soul Knowing Eternal Being (part of The Amen Project)

Isabelle O’Connell - solo piano

Donnacha Dennehy - Reservoir (2007)
Karen Power - loaded silence (2015)
Joan Tower - Ivory and Ebony (2009)
Frederic Rzewski - Miles 5,6, and 7 from The Road (1995-2003)