The Jazz Gallery Presents: WeFreeStrings

This Wednesday, September 19, The Jazz Gallery is pleased to welcome the band WeFreeStrings to our stage for two sets. Led by violist Melanie Dyer, the ensemble has just released their debut record, Fulfillment. The record features five original compositions by Dyer, linked by collectively-improvised paraphrases. The inspirations for Dyer's compositions run far and wide. There's "I'm Still Here," a meditation on womanhood.Then there's "Bayaka/Yangissa," inspired by the traditional music of the Batwa people from the Congo:"After Linda/Say Her Name" is both inspired by vocalist Linda Sharrock's performance on guitarist Sonny Sharrock's album Black Woman, and the African-American women who have died from police and mob violence since the 19th century.The paraphrases on the album act as tributes to influential musicians including Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra, and Billy Bang, linking these contemporary-minded compositions to the many traditions of Black experimental music. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Dyer and company stretch and transform this distinctive repertoire in new directions.WeFreeStrings plays The Jazz Gallery on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. The group features Charles Burnham and Gwen Laster on violin, Melanie Dyer on viola, Alex Waterman on cello, Ken Filiano on bass, and Michael Wimberly on trap set/percussion. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $15 general admission ($10 for members), $20 reserved cabaret seating ($15 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.