A double feature!
First, Harmolodic Ensemble, led by Dave Bryant, studies compositional, theoretical, and conceptual techniques developed by jazz visionary Ornette Coleman, as well as various other approaches to jazz improvisation. “Harmolodic” denotes a balanced and integrated relationship of the primary musical elements of harmony, melody, and movement or motion, but special emphasis is given to intervallic construction of the melodic line. Each student is required to present a composition utilizing these techniques, and this work is featured in our program this evening.
Following that is the JCM Art Ensemble, led by saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase. The ensemble has been focusing on the music of the great multi-woodwind player/ composer John Tchicai this semester. Tchicai was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1936 to a Danish mother and a Congolese father. His early Jazz inspirations were Lee Konitz and Charlie Parker. After meeting Bill Dixon and Archie Shepp at a festival in Poland John moved to New York in 1962. He formed the New York Contemporary 5 with Don Cherry and Shepp and later the New York Art Quartet with Milford Graves and Roswell Rudd. Tchicai also played on John Coltrane’s Ascension LP during his New York sojourn. He returned to Europe in 1967 and, aside from a decade in California, made it his home for the rest of his life. Tchicai visited Boston often in the 90’s and aughts, performing with the Either/ Orchestra, Garrison Fewell and Charlie Kohlhase, among others. John passed away in France in October 2012.
