Edgefest Brought Brass and the World
BY LARS BJORN
This year's Edgefest at the Kerrytown Concert House presented a wealth of intriguing musical fare over four days. The theme was brass this year, but we got it with a world twist.
Three mid-size groups (6–8 pieces) presented new works: Iraqi-American trumpeter Amir ElSaffar's Two River Ensemble included Middle Eastern strings and the burning alto of Rudresh Mahanthappa; cornetist Taylor HoBynum's Spider Monkey Strings included strings and tuba; and Jason Hwang's Burning Bridge included trombone, tuba, and traditional Chinese string instruments. On top of this, we got Trio X which is the most consistently exciting of all avant trios, with tenorist Joe McPhee, bassist Dominic Duval, and drummer Jay Rosen.
It was also terrific to see tenorist Matt Bauder and bassist James Ilgenfritz back in town, each with his own group, showing off all they have learned in the world beyond Ann Arbor.
One of the best Edgefests in recent memory!
TOP LEFT: Joe McPhee
TOP RIGHT: Rudresh Mahanthappa (saxophone) and Amir ElSaffar (trumpet)
RIGHT: Jason Hwang receiving applause
photographs by Lars Bjorn
 SEMJA at Edgefest
As part of its educational mission, SEMJA sponsored tubaist Joe Daley's workshop at Scarlett Middle School in Ann Arbor during Edgefest. Daley is not only a world-renowned player, but also a wonderful teacher who relates to kids of all ages. |
