An Energetic Spring Opener of musical might performed by world class musicians. High adrenalin and no safety net ... prepare to be drenched!
By now many of you sense that we leave out the safety net, play on the edge, and welcome you with a cool and sophisticated vibe. Last time we launched Happy Pills, and we are reloading for the concert "LifeForms". Imagine a fender guitarist using every nook and cranny of the guitar neck with a natural confidence and slick improvisation that can only be experienced through world class musician Chris Crocco. Chris will finish up his tour in Paris and Rome, and then come to the Howland to give us a burning performance. His trio is always represented by some of the best musicians in the industry. We are going to welcome, and be mesmerized by the prestigious Ian Froman, a phenomenal and prominent drummer! ...and I am more than excited to present premier Bulgarian bassist, Peter Slavov, who has been touring with Joe Lovano, and is looking forward to lighting up Friday night at the Howland.
Adding to this event, Video Artist Cristin Hughes will be showing a series of video art 30 minutes before showtime, so come early and get warmed up. During the show, Cristin will show us her film abstract of Metropolis as a backdrop to the live music performance, while metal sculptures from DGAF Gallery (artist Vitek) hang from above - yes indeed, this all feeds into LifeForms, the non digital experience. To capture this live, Videographer Anna Brady Nuse will film our event. Anna just finished up her premier Kinetic Cinema event in NYC. I am fortunate to have the support of these compelling artists, and the Howland volunteers, so come and bring your friends for this experience, you will not be disappointed!!!
7:30 pm Video Art by Cristin Hughes
8:00 pm The first note is struck
CHRIS CROCCO
A Virginia Native, Christopher Crocco attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduated Cum Laude in 1997. He has performed at every major jazz club in New York York City including Birdland, Blue Note, Smalls, The 55 Bar, The Bar Next Door, Cornelia St. Cafe, Siberia, Charlie O's, B.Smith's, and the Triad Lounge. In addition he has performed with Kenny Werner, Mike Mainieri, John Lockwood, Dennis Irwin, George Garzone, Greg Tardy, Sam Yahel, Antonio Farao, Frank Tiberi, Bob Gullotti, Francisco Mela, Ben Street, Peter Slavov, Pete Zimmer, Jeremy Allen, John Sullivan, Rick Margitza, Essiet Essiet, Eivind Opsvik, Charles Blenzig, Sean Conley, Tony Moreno, and Ian Froman amongst others.
His current group is called "The Fluid Trio", a bassless group at home in New York City. It includes legendary saxophonist George Garzone, and Cuban native Francisco Mela on drums. Exploring every aspect of truth, this trio plays with a ferocity and freedom... swing and organic color. Having performed all over NYC, The Fluid Trio is convincing people that beauty and strength can be found in small numbers. Every show is energized with the colors of life. On March 23rd Chris will showcase his trio with Ian Froman and Peter Slavov.
IAN FROMAN
Ian has received two Canadian Juno Awards (1998, 1999), two Jazz Report Magazine awards (1998, 1999), and a West Coast Music Award (1998) for his work with the Canadian group Metalwood.
Ian is a faculty member at Berklee College of Music, Drummers Collective, New School University and City College of New York. Ian lives in New York City, where he has performed and recorded with many of the city’s top artists. His extensive touring in North America, Europe, and Asia has included club, concert, and festival appearances, as well as television and radio broadcasts.
Ian Froman studied Jazz Performance, first at Berklee College of Music (B.M., 1984); selected to attend the Atlantic Center for the Arts in Florida to study with Elvin Jones), and then with Miroslav Vitous at the New England Conservatory (M.M., 1986).
PETER SLAVOV
Born in Helsinki, Finland to the family of legendary Bulgarian drummer Peter Slavov Sr, Peter has been playing bass since the age of twelve. While studying classical music, Peter attempted jazz and soon became the busiest bassist on the scene in Bulgaria, playing with the country’s finest musicians and touring Europe extensively. In 1998 Peter received a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, and in 1999 moved to Boston to attend Berklee.
Since moving to the United States, Peter Slavov has performed and/or recorded with world-renowned artists, such as Joe Lovano, Quincy Jones, Francisco Mela, Danilo Perez, George Garzone, Sophie Milman, Kevin Mahogany, Simon Shaheen, Jamey Haddad and Sam Yahel, among others.
Peter is currently touring with Joe Lovano's Us Five and the Joe Lovano Europa Quartet, Francisco Mela's Cuban Safari, as well as with the trio of Cuban piano sensation Alfredo Rodriguez.
Peter has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals around the world such as The Monterey Jazz Festival, The North Sea Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Jazz a Juan(Antibes), Olympia(Paris), Massey Hall (Toronto), La Cigale(Paris), Paris Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Bataclan(Paris), to name a few.