An American Tune

I've been lax updating this site, a case of avoidance therapy about practicing, and the beginning-of-the-semester bustle.  A complete calendar update is coming soon, but I'm emerging from my cocoon to announce that I am excited about this Sunday's Ensemble X concert.  Ensemble X is a contemporary music ensemble consisting of faculty at Cornell and Ithaca College, and because the estimable Xak Bjerken is out of town, I'm humbled to have the opportunity to grab the curatorial rudder for this show.The program is called An American Tune,  and features new and recent works that, as a whole, explore particularly "American" approaches to melody and song.  In addition to the world premiere of bubble-wrap virtuoso Tonia Ko's Blue Skin of the Sea, we'll hear a new arrangement of Peabody Friend Daniel Thomas Davis' Real Country, a tour of the rural south through song, Timo Andres' serene Fast Flows the River, and Andy Akiho's crisp and Mondrian-ian LIgNEouS.

We'll also be joined by fabulous soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon for a set of songs from Anna Lindemann, George Perle, Undine Smith Moore, Florence Price, and John Cage. As an alternative to the Super Bowl, it can't be beaten (or deflated).

More info is here.

Hope to post a recording/video/photo of this soon!

Prayers Remain Forever

Very excited to be a part of Martin Bresnick's fantastic new album, Prayers Remain Forever,  now available from Starkland Records.  The estimable Ian Rosenbaum and I tackle Martin's A Message from the Emperor, a wonderful work for two speaking percussionists, based on Kafka's final short story.  I'm proud to be in such great company: Lisa Moore and Ashley Bathgate play the crud out of Prayers Remain Forever, and I'm entranced by Sarita Kwok's rendition of Josephine the Singer. Buy it or gift it!

Practice Zone

Entering a heavy practice zone. Good thing it aligns with a chocolate-heavy time of year. Stay tuned for upcoming concerts, collaborations, and recordings!

Easter Pizza

Celebrating the arrival of (somewhat) warmer weather in Ithaca with some pizzas. A nice respite before my Cornell Steel Band and Ewe Dance-Drumming ensembles' show tomorrow (4/25).

Meet New Morse Code

For the past few years, I've had the joy of making music together with Hannah Collins as New Morse Code.  We made a short video as a way of introducing people to our group and what we do.  Stay tuned for more exciting news!