Dear friends,

We are thrilled to announce the release of our newest album with Ecstatic Records: BLOOM, by Michael Torke! This evening-length percussion quartet explores whimsical and groovy percussion textures juxtaposed with introspective, lyrical melodies. Each movement builds upon the next, resulting in a steady exploration of rhythmic and melodic interplay inching like ivy through the duration of the work. 

Here’s what Michael has to say about this new album-length work:
 

“BLOOM uses interlocking rhythms which, when played together, create a groove expressed through each player’s pitched and non-pitched instruments. Just as shoots push through dirt erupting in blooms, so too do the vibes and marimbas burst forth from the drums. In other words, this music has an organic profile, unlike other recent pieces of mine.”

-Michael Torke

Collaborating with Michael has been an experience we’ll hold dear for years to come, and we are grateful (and incredibly excited!) to introduce this work to the world. Listen to BLOOM on your favorite streaming platform today, and be sure to check out our recently released video recordings, Bloom 2, morning and Stem 1. 

Releasing BLOOM will not only close out our summer, it will also mark the seam between this past season and the next. Some highlights of the next year include our first trip to Asia for the Beijing Music Festival. There, we’ll perform Seven Pillars for the 38th time! We’re pinching ourselves at the opportunity to offer this piece to a new audience thousands of miles from home!

In November, we’re collaborating with Tyshawn Sorey and his trio to honor the 100th birthday of legendary jazz drummer, composer, and pioneer, Max Roach. With Tyshawn’s trio (Tyshawn Sorey, drums; Matt Brewer, bass; Aaron Diehl, piano), we’ll play alternating sets inspired by Roach’s compositions, then we’ll join forces to premiere a new work by Tyshawn. These performances will take us to the Wexner Performing Arts Center (where the world premiere will take place!), the Library of Congress, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and a return trip to the 92nd Street Y. 

We’re brimming with excitement for what this season will bring, and we hope you’ll join us at our next concert in your neighborhood. Check out our season flier below and see when we’re in your area next!

As always, thanks for reading, 

Ian, Jonny, Terry, and Victor