What is Edgefest?
“The annual rite of fall in Michigan music…running off the beaten tracks.”
– Downbeat
The 18th annual Edgefest (October 15 – October 18, 2014) will explore new music created by BASSISTS! The bass has played a very specific role in the search for new musical horizons over the last half century, and unlike mainstream bassists, these avant-garde players and those who came after them learned from each other exploring the full sonic and percussive possibilities of the instrument and in some cases using electronic devices. This year’s Edgefest is planned with a unifying purpose: to pay tribute to the world of bassists who are leaders and consummate side men (and women) representing bass styles evolving from the European tradition, the US East coast, to the Midwest, to the West coast and beyond. As always, it will showcase some of the most celebrated and creative multi-instrumentalists on the scene today. Check back later for a full lineup and schedule!
As in past years, Edgefest reaches out beyond the concert hall with Fringe at the Edge performances, public discussions, workshops and school residencies. The community is invited to attend all educational and Fringe events free of charge.
| Wed 10/15 | 7:00pm | Edgepass |
| Thu 10/16 | 7:00pm | Edgepass |
| Fri 10/17 | 7:00pm | Edgepass |
| Sat 10/18 | 10:00am | Edgepass |
This lineup is subject to change – the exact schedule of events will appear on the website in May. NOTE: if you need some inside information now on the likely dates of YOUR favorite artists, just email or call us!
William Parker’s In Order To Survive – Bassist/composer William Parker brings “some of the most powerful voices in free jazz today” (AMG): Hamid Drake (percussion), Cooper-Moore (piano), Rob Brown (alto sax), Lewis Barnes (trumpet) with guest artists Steve Swell (trombone) and Greg Ward (sax) joining for this Edgefest appearance. “Parker has emerged as the most important leader of the current avant-garde scene in jazz.” -Boston Globe
More information about William Parker.
Bassist/composer Mark Helias’s OPEN LOOSE with saxophonist Tony Malaby and drummer Tom Rainey – Celebrating the recent CD “Explicit “(Futura Marge). Helias has written many ensemble pieces (large and small). He will lead ensembles in his work at the Saturday evening Body of Basses concert.
More information about Mark Helias and OPEN LOOSE.
Mark Dresser, solo
More information about Mark Dresser.
The Marks Brothers – Bassist icons Mark Dresser and Mark Helias in DUO
Body of Basses – A concert of works for multiple basses, from quartets to chamber ensemble-size performing works by Edgefest artists Mark Dresser and Mark Helias. Bassists will include all Edgefest artists who are present at the festival, the classical and jazz students of Professors Diana Gannett and Robert Hurst at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance and area free lance bassists of both traditional and avant “persuasion”. Also proposed is a performance of compostion for large ensemble featuring the UM Creative Arts Orchestra led by Mark Kirschenmann.
Harrison Bankhead Quartet – Chicago icon bassist/composer Bankhead (Eight Bold Souls) brings music from his recent highly acclaimed CD Velvet Blue.
Harrison Bankhead – bass
Ed Wilkerson – tenor sax, clarinet, alto clarinet
Mars Williams – alto, tenor and soprano sax
Avreeayl Ra – drums
More information about Harrison Bankhead.
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten Trio – Norwegian/Texan double-bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten with Mars Williams, saxophone, and Tim Daisy, percussion.
More information about Ingebrigt Håker Flaten.
Russ Johnson’s Out To Lunch – The Music of Eric Dolphy 50th Anniversary Tour
Russ Johnson – trumpet, arrangements
Roy Nathanson – sop & alto sax
Myra Melford – piano
Brad Jones – bass
George Schuller – drums, arrangements
More information about Russ Johnson.
Jason Roebke OCTET – Composer/bassist Jason Roebke is the backbone of many of Chicago’s forward-looking jazz groups. Now he brings an octet of Chicago’s finest improvisers on the new recording, High/Red/Center. The program of eleven new compositions is deeply rooted in rich Ellingtonian harmony while re-imagining the approach with exciting individual interplay between the soloists and ensemble. The gorgeous ballads and fiery free jazz compliment each other and consistently surprise. Jason is joined by:
Greg Ward – alto saxophone
Keefe Jackson – tenor saxophone
Jason Stein – bass clarinet
Josh Berman – cornet
Jeb Bishop – trombone
Jason Adasiewicz – vibraphone
Mike Reed – drums
More information about Jason Roebke.
Michaël Attias Trio –
Michaël Attias – saxophone
Nasheet Waits – drums
John Hébert – bass
More information about Michaël Attias.
John Hébert, solo
More information about John Hébert.
Jaribu Shahid Bass Quartet – Detroit based bassist/composer of international stature leads a bass quartet made up of area professional bassists. The bassists, including Marion Hayden will perform Jaribu’s written and improvised compositions.
More information about Jaribu Shahid.
Diana Gannett performs Abadja Lutes – a loosely guided improvisation with electronic background; composed by Paul Barsom.
More information about Diana Gannett.
More information about Paul Barsom.