Crossroads: Music of America IV

The fusion of musical styles and influences is a favorite approach amongst composers for centuries. Villa-Lobos, Bartok, Bernstein, and even Beethoven have found themselves inspired by and utilizing aspects of various folk and popular music in their works. Brazil, Trinidad, France, and America collide in this latest program from the Cleveland Chamber Collective. On the program you will hear a range of works from selections from the Brazilian Choro repertory to the avant garde. The Collective brings together some of today’s top performers and specialists in Jazz and Brazilian music to share these exhilarating pieces including, from North Carolina via California flutist Rebecca Kleinmann, from Brazil now based in New York, pianist Vitor Gonçalves, Cleveland’s own Aidan Plank on bass, and the Collective’s Dylan Moffitt on percussion.

One of the most notable crossover works in the repertory is Claude Bolling’s Suite for flute and jazz piano trio. This enduring work, made famous by Jean-Pierre Rampal, comes to life featuring special guest flutist, Rebecca Kleinmann. Kleinmann has led diverse bands internationally, performed with such luminaries as Benny Green, Hermeto Pascoal, Toninho Horta, Airto Moreira and Taylor Eigsti, and at world-famous venues including the San Jose Jazz Festival, SF Jazz, SESC São Paulo, Birdland and Yoshi’s.

From French Jazz to North African legends, North East Ohio composer, Jeff Scott brings an exciting tone poem to the stage. This work based on a story of Xangô, is also inspired by the composers many trips to Brazil, specifically his exposure to the Santeria religion. This piece aims to be a respectful homage to the strength of spirit held in the legend of these great Orixas. A tour de force for the ensemble, the piece features Dylan Moffitt on Congas.

Our journey continues, next featuring a new work for the instrument Trinidad made famous, the Steelpan. Cleveland composer Ty Alan Emerson’s Pan Songs, brings together elements from the avant garde as well as dance rhythms and lyrical melodies as he investigates this “home-made” instrument. The work involves some tricky stick work and an unconventional approach to the instrument, but Moffit, who commissioned the work, teases out haunting lines and infectious joy.

The ensemble will feature tunes and improvisations from the Choro tradition. Choro, traditionally called chorinho, is a Brazilian popular music instrumental style whose origins date back to 19th Century Rio de Janeiro. The style has a fast and happy rhythm, characterized by virtuosity and improvisation. Grammy nominee, pianist Vitor Gonçalves, who hails from Brazil, brings his longtime affinity and experiences to the show.

The Collective will present this unique program twice. The first is on Saturday, October 14, 8 PM, at Disciple’s Christian Church. 3663 Mayfield Rd in Cleveland Heights and again on Sunday, October 15, 8 PM, at Inlet Dance Studios, located in the Pivot Center at 2937 W 25th St, in Cleveland’s famed Tremont district.

Come share in an eclectic and exciting night of traditional and crossover music, presented free by the Cleveland Chamber Collective.