Michael Smolens' earPlay Jazzquintet November 6, 2009

The Berkeley Hillside Club is delighted to present earPlay Jazzquintet in concert. Don't miss the opportunity to hear this remarkable ensemble performing in our acoustically-excellent hall.

The Ensemble

The earPlay Jazzquintet is a groundbreaking electro-acoustic ensemble with a uniquely kaleidoscopic sound. They take stylistic variety to new heights, cross-fertilizing North Indian, West African, Brazilian, and Middle Eastern influences with jazz and 20th-century classical idioms. The ensemble deftly weaves together compelling textures, uniting the realms of composition and improvisation, spoken word and stage magic. Add to that a veritable banquet of instruments from around the world -including the subtle usage of electronic sounds- and you've got an unforgettable musical adventure!

Members of the ensemble walk a wide-embracing variety of musical paths, from Brazilian choro, Afro-Cuban, country-western, jump swing, vintage funk, to classical, musical theatre, contemporary jazz, ritual music and digital sound design. These musicians have been heard performing or recording with many jazz luminaries, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Stefon Harris, Paul McCandless, Zakir Hussain, Poncho Sanchez, Donald Byrd, Bob Mintzer, Diana Krall, Mel Torme, and Natalie Cole.

The earPlay Jazzquintet are:

Michael Smolens - piano, synthesizers, voice, balafon, alto flute
Alex Murzyn - soprano, alto, & tenor saxes, C & alto flutes, bass clarinet
Fred Randolph - acoustic & elec. basses & guitars, sop. sax, clarinet, perc.
Brian Rice - drum set, tabla, percussion
Michael Hatfield - vibes, "marimba lumina," sampler, accordion, perc., voice
and special guest artist:
Heather Rogers - spoken word, stage magic

Official Website: http://www.hillsideclub.org/concerts.htm