Concert: Between Bach and Brubeck – Hot Jazz

Between Bach and Brubeck with Saxophone Virtuoso Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson & Alon Nechushtan Quartet (New York)

A tribute performance to the intriguing meeting between two musical worlds—the worlds of classical music and jazz. In the spirit of the Third Stream, which developed in the second half of the 20th century, a unique dialogue emerges between structures and harmonies from the classical tradition and the freedom, groove, and improvisation of jazz.

The quartet—Steve Wilson, Alon Nechushtan on piano, Yorai Oron on bass, and Dani Benedikt on drums—presents a rich program combining works that became milestones in the meeting between the styles. The program includes Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” Oscar Peterson’s “A Salute to Bach,” Dave Brubeck’s “A Salute to Chopin,” and “Blues Baroque” by John Lewis and the Modern Jazz Quartet.

The influence of the Third Stream extended beyond the world of jazz and also influenced creators in jazz-rock. Keith Emerson, for example, who was influenced by the music of Aaron Copland, created dramatic connections between classical music and progressive rock. The performance will also include Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “Jerusalem.”

An evening of a rich musical mosaic in which the boundaries between styles blur—a new and exciting meeting between classical music, jazz, and improvisation!

Steve Wilson is one of the leading alto and soprano saxophonists of his generation. He has been described by JazzTimes as “one of the best of our time” and as a consummate composer-performer. He has participated in more than 175 recordings with leading jazz musicians, including Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Dave Holland, and Michael Brecker. He is a member of award-winning ensembles, including the Dave Holland Quintet and Chick Corea’s Grammy-winning ensemble “Origin.”

Featuring:

• Steve Wilson — saxophone
• Alon Nechushtan — piano and artistic direction
• Yorai Oron — bass
• Dani Benedikt — drums

Photos: Pauline Maillet