NEW ORIGIN TRIO + SUSANNA HOOD
Christophe Rocher clarinets
Joe Fonda double bass
Harvey Sorgen drums
Susanna Hood dance, vocals
The NEW ORIGIN trio makes space-time vibrate through free and colorful music that bridges the American European musical traditions—a blend of artistry and untamed freedom.In the tradition of cross cultural exploration, New Origin come together to make a clear statement of its intent. With a new recording and concerts internationally, these three "comprovisors" are truly the sum of their individual paths.
French clarinetist Christophe Rocher has spent 30 years immersed in the jazz scene in Europe and the U.S., developing a melodic language that is entirely unique, poetic, and explosive. Rocher has been involved in the creation of new works that feature Paul Rogers, Daunik Lazro, Hasse Poulsen, Joêlle Leandre, and Bernard Lubat amongst many other cutting edge artists in the European contemporary music scene. In addition, his own "Ensemble Nautilus" and his key role in the "The Bridge Project" have toured internationally to high acclaim.
New York State residents bassist Joe Fonda and drummer Harvey Sorgen have collaborated with an impressive array of musicians: Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Braxton, Barry Altschul, Dave Douglas, Oliver Lake, Hot Tuna, Brenda Bufalino, Karl Berger, Ahmad Jamal, and many others. They have developed a unique universe that resolutely connects this unstable era to the wild freedom of this music.
Through many years of touring and recording, the members of this trio have left an indelible mark on the history of jazz and improvised music. Many reviews, awards, and accolades have been bestowed on each of them from the international music critics and writers. With the coming together of Rocher, Fonda, and Sorgen, the expansiveness of their output is a force to be reckoned with.
For their tour in Quebec and Ontario, the trio has invited a revered artist, who is also beloved by Something Else! audience; Susanna Hood, an esteemed vocalist and dancer from Montréal, a Canadian artist dedicates her work to the synthesis of voice and movement.
JOE FONDA is an American jazz composer, double bassist, interdisciplinary artist, producer, and educator. A recognized international figure, he has collaborated with giants such as Anthony Braxton—for whom he served as the regular bassist from 1984 to 1999—Archie Shepp, Carla Bley, Dave Douglas, and Randy Weston.
An award-winning composer, he has released twelve albums under his own name and directed the Connecticut Composers and Improvisers Festival. An independent producer since 1978, he leads several concurrent projects, notably the Fonda-Stevens Group and The Off Road Quartet, a group bringing together four musicians from four different countries. He performs at major jazz festivals around the world.
HARVEY SORGEN is an American drummer and percussionist whose eclectic career has given him a rare ability to adapt to all musical styles. His orchestral approach to drumming sets him apart as one of the most distinctive musicians of his generation. He has collaborated with an impressive array of artists—from Paul Simon to Anthony Braxton, including Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Zakir Hussain, and Phil Lesh. A composer for theater and film, he also gives masterclasses around the world. An accomplished sound engineer, he has worked at the legendary Dreamland Recording Studio and released several instructional videos.
CHRISTOPHE ROCHER is a clarinetist, composer, improviser, and artistic director, and the founder of the Ensemble Nautilis. Trained at the Clichy Conservatory and later under Jacques Di Donato, Fabrizio Cassol, and Steve Coleman, he also holds a degree in artificial intelligence. His career has led him to collaborate with leading figures in French and American jazz (Rob Mazurek, Nicole Mitchell, Hamid Drake, Joëlle Léandre, and others). A prolific composer, he has written numerous original works.
TWO PERFORMANCES at 6 PM & 8 PM
Advance: $25 per perf. via e-transfer to tix@zulapresents.org
Door: $30 per perf. regular or $20 students & seniors
Each performance includes homemade food; vegetable soup or beef stew with various sides, snacks, beverage