by Jarrett Hoffman
Eight core musicians from three continents gather around the music of Billy Drewes in the latest release on the Oberlin Music label, Under One Sun. The album’s wide array of instruments, moods, and vocal styles makes for a fun and exploratory 70 minutes of jazz.
By Daniel Hautzinger
Contemporary chamber groups may be the orchestras of the future. Where in the past classical music performances were primarily dressy affairs in concert halls, that is slowly being augmented by relaxed recitals in hip venues, ideal for small, forward-looking ensembles. The versatility of musically omnivorous groups eighth blackbird is an important attribute in the age of the Internet, where genre lines are dissolving and tastes are expanding.
On Thursday, June 19, as part of the free “Loops and Variations” concert series in Chicago’s Millennium Park, eighth blackbird and hyper-accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman presented an eclectic program demonstrating that versatility. [Read more…]