Roscoe Mitchell Orchestra: Littlefield Concert Hall Mills College March 19-20, 2018

Music and ideology of the famed Art Ensemble of Chicago master Roscoe Mitchell is captured by the composer and artist as he conducts (along with Steed Cowart) a collection of his compositions in a large band format. Reeds, woodwinds, strings, brass,  percussion, electronics and voice comprise the almost Wagnerian 30 member orchestra, but never creating sounds of stepping on each other’s toes. Modern classical tones dominate, with rich flutes on “Rub,” Asian harmonics with guitar on “Nonainainah,” Warm horns for “Wha Wha” and exciting percussive moments for “Frenzy House.” All of the songs clock in at around 10-11 minutes, so the focus is on ensemble cohesion and creation of wondrous sonorities. Classical and classy.

 

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