ACFNY RECOMMENDS | CONCERT | LUKAS LIGETI
Transcending the boundaries of genre, composer-percussionist Lukas Ligeti has developed a musical style of his own that draws upon downtown New York experimentalism, contemporary classical music, jazz, electronica, and world music, particularly from Africa. He performs frequently on electronic percussion often using the marimba lumina, a rare instrument invented by California engineer and synthesizer legend Don Buchla. Ligeti’s new album Pattern Time (Innova) was released in April of this year.
Described as manipulating “both the beauty and chaos that occurs when lots of different musics come together,” (Village Voice) Lukas neatly bridges the classical-modernist-world-music divide. He develops a musical style of his own that draws upon downtown New York experimentalism, contemporary classical music, jazz, electronica, as well as snapshots of various African sounds. “‘In PATTERN TIME, we use melodic and rhythmic patterns that have aspects of both African music and jazz and try to bring these forms into a new relationship with one another’, explains Lukas. “The recording is an experimental collaboration of musicians from different backgrounds, and the choice of instruments alone creates some fresh colors and textures.'”
The African influence is a cornerstone throughout the album. Lukas has developed a choreographic, polyrhythmic drumming style based on the music of East Africa’s Kingdom of Buganda. His connection to the continent was deepened through numerous trips and collaborations with African musicians. From his band Burkina Electric based in Burkina Faso to his work with Batonka musicians in Zimbabwe and Nubian musicians in Egypt, Lukas has participated in cultural exchange projects in Africa for the past 15 years. He served as Composer-in-Residence at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg (2006) and also taught composition at the University of Ghana (2008).
Spearheaded by Lukas, PATTERN TIME includes some of today’s most radical and provocative improvisational artists. Parisian pianist Benoît Delbecq and West African balafon player Aly Keïta, are known for making waves in the jazz landscape. Known for his profound originality, Delbecq brings a new forward-thinking approach to jazz piano. Similarly, Keïta is one of today’s leading virtuosos of the balafon (West African marimba) who introduced his instrument into a jazz environment. Joining the roster is Sicilian saxophone player Gianna Gebbia – known for crossing the bridge between traditional and experimental music. And world-renowned electric bassist Michael Manring brings his unorthodox tunings, techniques and sound to the mix.
About Lukas Ligeti
Known for his nonconformity and diverse interests, Lukas creates music ranging from the through-composed to the free-improvised, often exploring polyrhythmic/polytempo structures, non-tempered tunings, and non-Western elements. Described as“a distinctive and energetic voice…that walks a skillful line between the comprehensible and the unpredictable,” (San Francisco Chronicle) Lukas has been commissioned by Bang on a Can, Kronos Quartet, Vienna Festwochen, the American Composers Forum, Ensemble Modern, and Radio France, to name a few. He frequently performs solo on the marimba lumina, a rare electronic percussion instrument invented by California engineer Don Buchla, and as a drummer, he co-leads several bands including Burkina Electric, the first electronica band from Burkina Faso in West Africa. Lukas has also performed/recorded with John Zorn, Henry Kaiser, Raoul Björkenheim, Marilyn Crispell, Jim O& rsquo;Rourke, Gary Lucas, John Tchicai, Eugene Chadbourne, Elliott Sharp, and many others. In addition, he regularly collaborates with choreographer Karole Armitage. Lukas most recently toured throughout the US and Canada in support of his electronic percussion solo album Afrikan Machinery (Tzadik Records). He also completed a month-long curatorial project at The Stone in NYC and an American Composers Orchestra commission and world premiere of Labyrinth of Clouds at Carnegie Hall with Lukas on solo marimba lumina. Lukas is a 2010 recipient of the Alpert Award in the Arts given by The Herb Alpert Foundation and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
VENUE
ISSUE Project Room
At the Old American Can Factory
232 3rd Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tickets are $15, please visit: http://www.issueprojectroom.org/