One man, armed with just a cello, can change the world
Matt Haimovitz is the most acclaimed cellist to ever perform a solo gig at CBGB's, the now sadly defunct New York club that in the 1970s gave rise to The Ramones, Talking Heads and other now-legendary acts.
I know, I know: He's also the only cellist to perform at CBGB's, but that's the point. Haimovitz's 2004 solo tour also included a concert at a pizza parlor in Jackson. Miss., as part of his quest to bring classical music to young new audiences. To further this goal, his repertoire included not only Bach suites but a cello version of Jimi Hendrix's version of “The Star Spangled Banner,” replete with feedback.
A protege of violinist Ithzak Perlman, Haimovitz signed his first major record label deal when he was 17 and performed with top orchestras around the world. By 19, he began longing for artistic freedom. Now 36, Haimovitz co-founded his own label, Oxingale, in 1992. He is at the vanguard of a generation of artists who are devoted to classical music, but refuse to be bound by its sometimes stifling conventions.
Haimovitz, who heads the cello department at the University of Massachusetts, performs a solo concert Sunday night at La Jolla's Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. He'll also give a master class there that afternoon.
Who needs Bono? Waltz to Lestat's for a dose of Irish grace
Ican think of no better way to spend Valentine's Day (well, at least part of it) than by attending Wednesday night's performance by Guggenheim Grotto at Lestat's in Normal Heights. This Irish trio's 2006 album, “... Waltzing Alone,” ranks as one of last year's most enchanting debuts – and, sadly, one of the most overlooked.
Released on United For Opportunity, a tiny New York label, “Waltzing” is also one of the most handsomely packaged albums in recent memory. More like a miniature book with a CD, it includes a foreword, lyrics, commentary on all 12 songs by each band member, and whimsical illustrations that evoke the work of Edward Gorey.
Drawing from influences as disparate as Radiohead, Marvin Gaye, Lemonheads and Leonard Cohen, the 3-year-old group demonstrates a command of melodic grace and texture rare in a band this young. The wistful, Indian-inflected “Portmarnock Beach Boy Blue” should make Thom Yorke turn green with envy, while “Philosophia,” the album's shimmering opening track, suggests what the first Crosby, Stills & Nash album might have sounded like if all of its members were from Dublin.
Each of Guggenheim Grotto's members – Shane Power, Mick Lynch and Kevin May – perform on at least five instruments apiece, a feat that may prove daunting outside of recording studios. But the music on their album is warm and spacious, not cluttered or clinical. May is qualified to teach religion (although he has yet to do so), but focuses more on love-related themes. A notable exception is the mournful yet lovely “Koan,” on which he sings: Does joy or sorrow lie closer to god? / Do angels and devils deal from one deck of cards? You must sing more sad / You must sing more sad / You know the world wouldn't feel so bad / If you would sing more sad.
Now playing for the U.S. team as a utility infielder, Eric Person!
When it comes to versatility, Eric Person has few peers. The St. Louis-born saxophonist and flutist has worked with Ben Harper, The Allman Brothers, ex-Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and singer Ofra Haza. But Person's biggest love is jazz, and his résumé includes stints with pianist McCoy Tyner, drummers Chico Hamilton and Ronald Shannon Jackson, and bassist Dave Holland (with whose quartet he memorably performed here at the Horton Grand Hotel in 1994).
As the leader of his own group, Meta-Four, Person has made at least six albums that showcase his formidable skills as a composer and bandleader. He's a terrific saxophonist and his music constantly looks forward, while saluting the traditions that came before him. In a more just world, Person would be hailed as a major talent and a veteran star. For now, he'll have to settle for being a major talent. He performs with Meta-Four tonight at La Jolla's Athenaeum Music & Arts Library.
George Varga: (619) 293-2253;
george.varga@uniontrib.com
Quote of the Week
“He looks like Zorro on doughnuts”
Oasis leader Noel Gallagher is apparently unimpressed with Jack White's mustache (and physique)
