JeJaWeDa (Jeb Bishop/Jaap Blonk/Weasel Walter/Damon Smith) & 52nd St Planetary Ensemble
The band features the great Dutch sound poet and improvisor Jaap Blonk, trombone virtuoso Jeb Bishop, and the versatile and powerful “rhythm section” of Damon Smith and Weasel Walter.
Jaap Blonk is unique for his powerful stage presence and playful freedom in improvisation, combined with a keen grasp of structure.
The frenetically prolific bandleader/composer/multiinstrumentalist Weasel Walter summons myriad timbres from a(mostly) conventional drum kit, while also bringing a strong performative element to the proceedings.
Jeb Bishop is an extraordinary improviser, composer, and simply one of the finest living trombonists, and has been a major voice in improvised music for more than 20 years.
Tireless organizer and Balance Point Acoustics label head Damon Smith expands both the sound world of the double bass and the roles it can play in an ensemble.
The sonic result of this alchemical gamble is a wide-open, unruly field of play where anything can and will happen. The New York City session and performance documented on these releases run the gamut from delicate chamber textures to Xenakis-meets-cracked-video-game burbling to all-out electronic meltdowns.
Double Bass – Damon Smith
Percussion – Weasel Walter
Trombone, Electronics – Jeb Bishop
Voice, Electronics – Jaap Blonk
52nd Street Planetary Ensemble:
The 52nd Street Planetary Ensemble is a rotating cast of musical characters united by their dedication to the joyful practice of collective improvisation. Grounded in weekly workshop sessions at the Rotunda in West Philadelphia, they channel influences from jazz, experimental, and world music traditions into a never-ending exploration of creative freedom.
accessibility: ramp into lobby, then 7 stairs into theater
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