The Jazz Gallery Residency Commissions: Rafiq Bhatia Speaks

For 2016, The Jazz Gallery has commissioned new music from three guitarists of distinctly different musical temperaments—Gilad Hekselman, Mary Halvorson, and Rafiq Bhatia. While Hekselman is known for his warm, slightly distorted sound and fluid technique, Halvorson has a pricklier approach that prizes space and a wide range of articulations. Bhatia, on the other hand, is a real soundscaper, using an array of analog and digital effects to make the guitar sing or snarl.This weekend, the Gallery presents the first of these residency commission projects—Rafiq Bhatia's "Walk Right Up To The Sun." We caught up with Bhatia at his home to talk about his underlying motivations for the project and get a sample of the enveloping sound-world Bhatia has constructed.The Jazz Gallery presents 2016 Residency Commission awardee Rafiq Bhatia in concert this Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th, 2016. The group features Mr. Bhatia on guitars and electronics; Jackson Hill on basses, synthesizer, and electronics; and Ian Chang on drums and electronics. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. each night. $22 general admission ($12 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.