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| ALEX COKE & CARL MICHEL SEXTET “ Soundspace at Captain Quackenbush’s Coffeehouse Thursday November 30th 8:30-10:30pm Austin, TX A new CD by the Alex Coke-Carl Michel Sextet, entitled Emergence, reunites the unique ensemble of Alex Coke (tenor and flute), Carl Michel (guitar), Elaine Barber (concert harp), (Bob Hoffnar (pedal steel guitar), Carolyn Trowbridge (vibes) and James Suter (bass). Emergence reveals a fusion of jazz, classical, and folk genres along with thoughtful free improvisation and atmospheric explorations— moving beyond the group's October 2021 release entitled Emissary. Coke and Michel have played together for decades and are considered two of the finest creative jazz musicians in Austin. The sextet was formed during the recent pandemic when Coke and Barber initiated a series of outdoor concerts that brought together numerous talented local musicians to perform free concerts for the community. Emergence opens with the classic John Coltrane piece, "After the Rain", featuring Alex Coke on saxophone. This is followed by works of well known composers Valentin Silvestrov, and Paul Motian, "Bagatelle II" and "Garden of Eden", respectively. Original works include: "Rolling", a picturesque folk melody composed by Alex Coke. "Four Mobile Structures Dedicated to Alexander Calder", also by Coke, features a variety of moods highlighted by the pedal steel guitar and the vibraphone. Works by Carl Michel include the joyful "Mangled Tango", and the haunting tune "Presence", featuring Coke's passionate tenor sax. Michel also delights with his charming waltz "Again" featuring interplay between the flute and guitar reminiscent of Jimmy Giuffre3. Considering the diversity of instruments, compositions, and performers, the dozen tracks fit together as a unified work of inventive music that is full of welcome surprises. Alex Coke studied flute at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He spent time in Europe, touring with the Willem Breuker Kollektief on and off during 1990–2000. Coke worked with the late Tina Marsh in various groups for 22 years, was an original member of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, and has led such groups as New Visions, the Live Action Brass Band, the Leadbelly Legacy Band, and the Worthy Constituents. Carl Michel attended the Berklee College of Music (1977–1979), and was a co-founder of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra where he first met Coke. In addition to composing music for documentaries, he has led several albums for the PlayOn label including Music In Motian (The Compositions Of Paul Motian). Elaine Barber is the principal concert harpist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. She is a regular guest performer with the San Antonio Symphony. Additionally, throughout her career, she has performed in classical and jazz ensembles in a wide variety of context, including with Ray Charles and Renee Fleming. Bob Hoffnar has had an eclectic career playing steel guitar with many ensembles and individual artists. He led the Mood Illusion and has associations with Butch Morris, John Zorn, Debbie Davies, Cornell Dupree, Norah Jones, and the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. James Suter is in demand as a bassist, composer and educator. He was a member of the Stamps Jazz Quintet and has supported many artists including Gary Burton, Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Branford Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, and Joe Lovano. Carolyn Trowbridge specializes in vibes, marimba, steel pan and world percussion, having played everything from funk, rock and pop to avant-garde jazz. With all of these talented musicians coming together on Emergence as the Alex Coke-Carl Michel Sextet, the results are quite memorable and unique with the artists creating melodic music that will appeal to a large audience. Artist: ALEX COKE & CARL MICHEL SEXTET Title: EMERGENCE Artist Website: https://www.carlmichel.com https://alexcokecarlmichelsextet.bandcamp.com/album/emergence Release Date: July 7, 2023 Label: PlayOn Records Catalog Number: 1005-2 UPC Code: 825479987023 TRACK LISTING 1. After The Rain (John Coltrane) 6:06 2. Rolling . . . the wind picks up and the boats cast off for Troy (Alex Coke) 3:03 3. Bagatelle II (Valentin Silvestrov) 4:35 4. Mangled Tango (Carl Michel) 4:44 5. 4 Mobile Structures Dedicated to Alexander Calder (Alex Coke) 9:37 6. Locust Grove (Bob Hoffnar) 2:44 7. Again (Carl Michel) 5:55 8. Garden Of Eden (Paul Motian) 4:46 9. Wait/Not Wait (Alex Coke) 5:03 10. CME (Carl Michel) 4:13 11. Presence (Carl Michel) 4:39 12. POP! (Alex Coke) 4:23 Total CD Time: 59:48 MUSICIANS: Alex Coke - tenor sax & flutes, Carl Michel - guitar, Elaine Barber - concert harp, Bob Hoffnar - pedal steel, James Suter - bass, Carolyn Trowbridge - vibes write your comments about the article :: © 2023 Jazz News :: home page |