Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock
Open Gate Theatre presents Sunday Evening Concert Series feat. Michael Vlatkovich Trio + George McMu
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Open Gate Theatre Presents Sunday March 7, 2010 Michael Vlatkovich Trio Michael Vlatkovich - trombone Anders Swanson - bass Rich West - drums
George McMullen Trio George McMullen - trombone Joel Hamilton - bass Alex Cline - drums
The Open Gate Theatre Sunday evening concerts series’ celebration of its thirteenth year of presenting unusual, mostly improvisationally-oriented music is a trombone extravaganza! “Headlining” the event, trombone master/composer Michael Vlatkovich, a local veteran player/musical treasure to be sure, will lead his trio—one of the groups that has performed in this concert series more than any other over the years—featuring bassist Anders Swanson and drummer-percussionist Rich West (subbing for the touring longtime regular trio member Christopher Garcia) in a set of its typically deep, varied, eccentric, surprising, and virtuosic sonic explorations. Witty, layered, sophisticated, and brilliant, Vlatkovich’s music is some of the most criminally under-recognized in creative jazz.
The evening will be opened by another nimble, multidirectional, and driving trombone trio, that led by another local trombone wiz/composer, George McMullen, and featuring bassist Joel Hamilton and drummer-percussionist Alex Cline, a tried and true team of fluid foundation-layers. Like Vlatkovich, McMullen has performed with an impressive who’s-who of major artists in the genres of jazz, pop, Latin, and New Music. In fact, to provide only one example, the two trombonists played together in large bands led by both Vinny Golia and Brian Setzer (!). While Vlatkovich has brought his trio and other units in to perform at the Open Gate Theatre concert series innumerable times, McMullen has contributed for many years as a member of the Open Gate Theatre band. His music is at once swinging, open, uniquely expressive, and subtly vibrant. Strikingly different players equal in accomplishment and integrity, both players are integral figures on the local creative jazz scene who have figured richly into the legacy of this concert series. What an opportunity to hear them together on one evening!
Once the two trombone trios have played their distinctive and diverse sets, both trios will combine to create a double trombone trio, six musicians exploring original music organized for the occasion by Vlatkovich, four adventurous compositions written for this utterly unique ensemble. It’s truly a special occasion, one which we hope will be a fitting musical celebration for all present for it. About Open Gate Theatre |